ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR
A member of Taliban committee on Monday said a delay in release of non-combatant prisoners of banned terrorist outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was the major reason for a stalemate in talks.
However, Taliban sources said that they were ready to hold talks if the government vowed to fulfil its pledges.
Talking to reporters in Peshawar, Prof Ibrahim said Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan in a press conference had said that the government had decided to release more TTP prisoners, but it has not been implemented despite passage of several days.
Meanwhile, a private TV channel quoted TTP sources as saying, “We are still ready to hold peace talks and will not carry out any attack but will retaliate if the government carries out any action.”
The TTP sources were of the view that they wanted a peaceful resolution of all issues through talks. They said that the ceasefire would not be extended and decision regarding release of the people in custody would be taken keeping in view the government’s response.
The TTP sources hoped that the government would show flexibility and take any decision in the larger interest of the country and its people.
