Reports say Pak Taliban ready to lay down arms
17 Feb 2014 6:43 AM IST
The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s political ‘shura’ or council met in the tribal belt to deliberate on the government’s demand for a truce to take forward a controversial and fragile peace process.
The shura decided in principle to announce a ceasefire in the next 24 hours, TV news channels quoted their sources as saying.
The Taliban demanded the withdrawal of the army from the lawless North Waziristan tribal region. They also said non-combatants, including women and children, who are allegedly in the custody of security forces should be freed.
Analysts said the army might have a problem with any demand to withdraw its troops since it established its presence in Waziristan after much time and effort.
The TTP shura includes its deputy chief Qari Shakil Ahmed Haqqani, TTP spokesman Azam Tariq, Amir Islam, Commander Ahmed, Anwar Gandapuri, Quetta division leader Pir Sahab, Maulana Abdullah and Commander Pashtun.
The shura decided in principle to announce a ceasefire in the next 24 hours, TV news channels quoted their sources as saying.
The Taliban demanded the withdrawal of the army from the lawless North Waziristan tribal region. They also said non-combatants, including women and children, who are allegedly in the custody of security forces should be freed.
Analysts said the army might have a problem with any demand to withdraw its troops since it established its presence in Waziristan after much time and effort.
The TTP shura includes its deputy chief Qari Shakil Ahmed Haqqani, TTP spokesman Azam Tariq, Amir Islam, Commander Ahmed, Anwar Gandapuri, Quetta division leader Pir Sahab, Maulana Abdullah and Commander Pashtun.
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