Tread with caution
Initial talks between the government and the TTP are reportedly being held with an aim to jumpstart peace negotiations. Interestingly, the news of talks had not come from any official source but from unnamed intelligence officials and a senior militant commander while the ISPR categorically denied such reports of talks. Given the public has not been kept abreast, one does not know what to make of the simultaneous announcement of a ‘ceasefire’ by the Taliban on one hand and the ISPR’s denial on the other.
The army is currently fighting the TTP in Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram Agencies. No day passes without reports of heavy casualties on both sides. Scores of non combatants have fallen victim in the cross fire. Thousands of displaced persons have taken shelter in camps set up by the government. The casualties among the security personnel include a number of army officers. It is not uncommon during active hostilities to hold talks with the opposing side provided the objective is clear, in this case a complete end to militancy. But one needs to be careful about the hazards. To start with, the TTP is more of an umbrella organisation than a monolithic group. With one official TTP spokesman declaring the chapter of peace with government closed and another commander announcing a ceasefire, one has to wonder whether those claiming to represent the terrorist network are in a position to enforce any agreed deal. It is not enough to agree not to launch attacks inside Pakistan. Equally important is to respect the government’s pledge not to allow Pakistan’s territory to be used against any other country. Will the terrorists agree not to wage jihad against the US, India or any other country from FATA? Will they agree to expel foreign nationals getting training inside the tribal areas?
Pakistan burnt its fingers by entering into a deal with the Taliban in Swat. Those negotiating peace agreed to allow a parallel judicial system in Malakand Division and the army units were withdrawn. The period of peace was used by the Taliban to regroup and refurbish their arsenal. Soon after, their leadership announced that Shariat Courts were not enough. They rejected the Constitution, rubbished the Parliament and Supreme Court and announced that they would continue to set fire to schools, destroy bridges and government installations and launch terrorist attacks till a system of their own choice was enforced all over Pakistan with the power of the gun. The deal cost Pakistan heavily and the army had to re-conquer Swat to establish the writ of the state. Given that the TTP have announced a ceasefire, talking to them makes sense in the situation. But those who are conducting the talks bear a heavy cross.
