TTP comes forward with a plan
If you have a problem, you have a problem; there is no way around it other than tackling it head on. Pakistan has been ignoring the problem of terrorism and its perpetrators inside its borders for quite some time now. The situation escalated to such levels at times that militants seemed to have an upper hand, thus forcing the state to settle for peace offers. These peace offers were nothing more than a ploy to regroup, re-arm, re-plan and attack anew. This happened every single time such a deal was made, giving credence to the perception that the terrorists were not serious for peace.
Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the umbrella organisation for all terrorist organisations inside the country, has come forward with another peace offer, with two pre-conditions this time. First, they want a guarantor for the talks. Interestingly they know exactly who they want it to be. They demand that Nawaz Sharif, Maulana Fazalur Rehman or Syed Munawar Hasan be the person that guarantees the talks. How is that going to turn out to their advantage is yet to be seen, for even though all three have right leaning, they support the present political system, follow the constitution, and have declared to work under its ambit. Moreover, none of them has anything to force the government with to even come to the negotiating table, let alone finalise any deal. The card can though be countered with an equally strong one by the government. It can ask for the same from the TTP, but that’s where it gets tricky. Who can guarantee that they would hold their end of the bargain? It’s not like they are known for honouring a deal. Many in the government want peace talks, including the ANP, but the government cannot afford to be seen coming from a position of weakness.
If the first condition is a slap on the wrist, the second is a slap in the face. The TTP wants Maulvi Omar, Muslim Khan and other captured leaders freed. As if that isn’t enough, they want the same two to sit with the government for negotiations. Surely, who would want to miss a chance to casually chit chat on weather and make a peace deal on the sideline with the murderers!
The government can in no way give in to either of the above pre-conditions. Yes, there should be peace dialogue but only after the militants give up arms, cease terror activities, accept the constitution and submit to the political system. Military, security and law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders may also be involved to bind various factions of the TTP to the deal, if it goes ahead. And if the TTP doesn’t agree with these pre-conditions, which unfortunately is a likely case, there would be no point in holding any peace dialogue.