Taliban push to resume talks between Pakistan and TTP

Although there was no official confirmation from either party, sources claim that the tribal delegation recently met with TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud.

Kabul: There is a renewed push by the Afghan Taliban to restart talks between Pakistani officials and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) when a delegation of tribal elders met with the TTP chief.

Although there was no official confirmation from either party, sources claim that the tribal delegation recently met with TTP chief Noor Wali Mehsud. The meeting was part of efforts to explore the possibility of resuming talks that were called off in November last year, the Express Tribune reported.

a major Pakistani The official, however, said there was no change in government policy. “We are no longer seeking talks with the TTP,” the official added, requesting anonymity.

However, the official said that Pakistan had set a clear condition: TTP will have to surrender first for any dialogue. Another official dealing with Afghanistan expresses complete ignorance about the reported meeting between Pakistan and the TTP, the Express Tribune reported.

Despite Pakistan’s refusal to peace talks, Afghans taliban keep pressing to zoom in. Afghan interim foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to Islamabad in May, advocated dialogue with the TTP despite being told that Islamabad was not interested in talks.

Officials here said that given previous rounds of talks, Pakistan would not speak directly with the TTP. If there were to be any future talks, they would be conducted through the Afghan Taliban, the Express Tribune reported.

The TTP issue has become a major stumbling block between Pakistan and the Afghan interim government. Pakistan was disappointed in the Afghan Taliban for failing to look after its security interests by protecting the TTP. There is a feeling in Islamabad that the Afghan Taliban would never use force against the TTP, as they are “ideological cousins”.