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Peace talks progressing: Pakistan PM

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has said the dialogue between the government and the Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan’s committees is progressing effectively and has the support of the army.

Sharif said he would consider giving a deadline on the issue of terrorism only after tangible progress in ending violence.

The premier said he felt deeply grieved over loss of dozens of lives including those of security personnel in a series of suicide attacks in Karachi, Peshawar and elsewhere. Though the TTP has denied responsibility and has pledged to refrain from terrorism mere assurances are not enough and the violence must stop as talks are under way.

Talking to media in Ankara where he has gone for a three-day visit to attend the tripartite summit with Turkey and Afghanistan, Sharif avoided comment on a recent interview by the TTP spokesperson Shahidullah Shahid. The prime minister said the interview could possibly be old and could have been given in a different context. Shahid had claimed that the TTP is stronger than ever before and vowed to enforce Shariah in Pakistan under Mullah Omer as ‘Amirul Momineen,’ and Maulvi Fazlullah as his ‘Khalifa’.

Sharif expressed the hope that talks with the TTP would move forward in the right direction adding that the government is aware of elements trying to sabotage the process of dialogue particularly after the TTP’s statement that it was not involved in the recent bombing incidents.

Meanwhile, according to the Pakistani media, TTP’s Political Shura (advisory council) has agreed to directly meet the government talks committee.

A TV channel quoting unnamed sources on Thursday reported that the government negotiators would meet the shura either at the end of this week or at the beginning of next week. The meeting will most likely be held in North Waziristan.

The main agenda will likely be regarding a ceasefire which the TTP and government committees said was important as any activity from either side could potentially harm peace efforts.

news@khaleejtimes.com