Pakistan’s dreaded militant group Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Saturday announced a month-long ceasefire with Pakistani government.

Islamabad, March 1/Nationalturk: In a significant development, the dreaded militant group of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Saturday announced a month-long ceasefire with Pakistani government.

“We announce a month-long ceasefire from today and appeal to all our comrades to respect the ceasefire decision and refrain from any activity during this period,” TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told media persons.

He said the decision was taken with the consent of Taliban Shura (advisory council) and chief of the group Maulana Fazullah.

TTP spokesman said a positive response had been received by the Taliban committee from the government over elimination of deadlock in talks and announcement of ceasefire.

‘TTP initiated talks with honest intentions’

“The assurances had been provided to the Taliban committee over implementation of their recommendations,” he said.

“We had initiated peace talks with Pakistan government with honest intentions and seriousness,” Shahid said.

Citing the positive developments in peace talks, Shahid said government has given a nod to the demands put forward by the mediation committee representing the Taliban and it was insured that the demands will be met.

“The TTP is a responsible organisation which works through the consensus of a higher council and a an Amir for decision making. The ceasefire decision has been taken in view of the appeal made by the religious scholars, in honour of the representative committee and  the betterment of Islam and the country,” he said.

Taliban’s ceasefire announcement was welcomed by the government’s committee for mediation with TTP.

Govt mediation committee welcomes

Member of the government committee, Irfan Siddiqui said the ceaseffire announcement by TTP was a positive step.

Another government committee member Rustam Shah Mohmand was quoted as saying by Pakistan newspaper Express Tribune that he hoped that the period of a month’s ceasefire will be extended as well.

He, however, warned that there might be some groups, who are not in favour of peace talks. “We must ignore them and continue with the peace process.”

Talks between the government and TTP committees were stalled after Taliban militants targeted Pakistan’s security forces and civilians.

After the deadlock, Pakistan military conducted surgical using fighter jets and gunship helicopters on militant targets in North Waziristan, South Waziristan and other tribal areas.

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Asia News/ NationalTurk Pakistan News