NOWSHERA: Member of the Taliban nominated negotiating committee, Maulana Samiul Haq, said on Sunday that the government and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) should focus on the peace talks rather than a ceasefire, DawnNews reported.

Addressing a conference in Akhora Khattak, the chief Taliban mediator said that those talking about military action were "enemies of Pakistan" and war benefited no one. He added that the rest of the world wanted war instead of peace in Pakistan and both sides would have to show patience.

He further said that the media and anchorpersons were advocating war while scholars were backing peace talks.

Haq expressed his regrets over what he said were artificial barriers created every time there was progress in the negotiations.

Maulana Sami further said that both the parties would be held responsible in case there was an escalation in hostilities.

The senior religious scholar who is also known as the 'Father of the Taliban said that the country would have to unite as one in order to douse the fire lit in it by foreigners.

He further said that hope was not lost and the peace talks between the government and Taliban committees would resume soon.