PESHAWAR – Pakistani government and the banned group Tehreek e TalibanPakistan have agreed to a short-term ceasefire following fresh talks in theAfghan capital.
The spokesman of the terror outfit Khurasani told media outlets that theceasefire would remain in place until May 30. Both sides will continuetalks and will adhere to the ceasefire, he said, however, no Pakistaniofficial commented on the matter.
Khurasani mentioned that the talks were mediated by the Islamic Emirate ofAfghanistan between the two sides. He further added that the Mehsud tribein South Waziristan and a committee from the Malakand division also heldtalks with the TTP last week.
Committees comprised of Pakistani tribes called for peace, while the AfghanTaliban also confirmed the talks in Kabul, with senior Taliban officialZabihullah Mujahid saying the Afghan government played the role of amediator.
Taking it to Twitter, Mujahid mentioned ‘significant progress’ in thenegotiations, adding Islamic Emirate Afghanistan is making efforts to takethe process forward in a good faith.
He also called on both sides to show flexibility amid the recent round oftalks.
*Express Tribune* reported that a Pakistani delegation was led by former DGISI and current Peshawar Corps Commander Lt Gen Faiz Hameed at Serena Hotelin Aghan capital, however, there was no official statement about thedevelopment.
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The report claimed that Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and MilitaryIntelligence officials also held talks with local tribes to reach a peacedeal amid rising terror incidents.
Pakistani officials put several demands including an abrupt stop tocross-border attacks, extending the ceasefire, and completion of thePak-Afghan border.
The recent round of talks started after the banned outfit announced afive-day extension in the ceasefire on account of Eidul Fitr.
Last year, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan refused to extend the month-longceasefire with Pakistani government, accusing it of ‘failing to honour thedecisions’ reached earlier.
