TTP puts forth its game plan

• Hands over 15-point demand list to negotiation committee
• Demands include imposition of Sharia, end to drone strikes and release of all foreign and Pakistani militants

The Taliban Shura has finalised a 15-point draft for negotiations with the government and the draft proposal has been handed over to the peace facilitators during meetings in Waziristan.

The members of Taliban negotiation committee, Professor Ibrahim, Maulana Yousaf and Maulana Haseeb, had reached Miranshah using a helicopter provided by the government where they were briefed by the political agent after which the three leaders proceeded ahead. The TTP’s political Shura had assured complete security to the committee members.

The Taliban central Shura held meetings which started Saturday at an undisclosed location in North Waziristan under Taliban deputy chief Sheikh Khalid Haqqani.

The members of the Taliban committee had informed the TTP about the demands of the government committee, following which the TTP put forth its own set of demands.

The demands include an end to drone attacks; imposition of Sharia law in legal system and governance; introduction of Islamic system of education in both public and private educational institutions; release of Pakistani and foreign militants; restoration and remuneration for damage to property during drone attacks; handing over control of tribal areas to local forces; withdrawal of army from tribal areas and shutting down checkposts; withdrawing all criminal charges against the Taliban; equal rights for the poor and rich; employment for families of drone victims; an end to interest-based banking system; ending support to US forces in war on terror; and ending all relations with the US.

The members of Taliban negotiation committee reached Miranshah on Sunday evening from where they were supposed to fly back to Islamabad. However, the committee members decided to stay the night in Miranshah.