TALIBAN READY FOR CEASEFIRE

TALIBAN ANNOUNCED ONLY 

ONE MONTH  CEASEFIRE

Pakistani Taliban has announced ceasefire with the Pakistani government. The Taliban’s decision was confirmed by Taliban officials named Shahid. "We announce a ceasefire from today and appeal to all our companions to respect the decision and refrain from any activity during this period,". Taliban official said the decision was taken with the consent of the Taliban Shura and chief of the outlawed group. The official also added that peace talks with the government of Pakistan had been initiated with honest intentions and seriousness.

According to the Taliban official, a positive response had been received by the Taliban committee from the government of Pakistan over elimination of the deadlock in talks and announcement of ceasefire. He further told assurances had been provided to the Taliban over implementation of their recommendations. The Taliban’s ceasefire announcement was welcomed by the government of Pakistan. The announcement was a positive step for us.

Talks between the two committees stalled after the Taliban targeted Pakistan’s security forces and civilians in several terrorist attacks. Following the deadlock, surgical strikes conducted by fighter jets and gunship helicopters were carried out targeting militant hideouts in the tribal areas. Pakistan Interior Ministery announced that dialogue remained a priority but the government would not allow anybody to challenge it.

The parliamentarians were also informed by the interior ministry of Pakistan that an operation was not underway in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) but surgical strikes were being carried out.