“There was practically an agreement that the negotiations should be held except for resistance by chairman of National Democratic Movement Mohsin Dawar,” one of the attendees of the meeting told Dawn.
The Prime Minister Office, in a statement on the meeting, said: “The Parliamentary Committee on National Security formally endorsed the process of discussions and approved the creation of a ‘Parliamentary Oversight Committee’.”
On the Afghan Taliban’s request, talks with the TTP began in October of last year, but they quickly stalled. After the TTP launched a series of attacks on security troops in April, the process was discreetly resumed, and a truce was finally achieved. There is now a three-month ceasefire in place while negotiations continue.
Military and intelligence personnel informed the legislators that negotiations with the TTP were aimed at “strengthening regional and domestic stability.” The political leadership was informed that “it is a chance for bringing an end to the conflict.”
The TTP is seeking the release of its fighters and recompense for losses it has sustained during the conflict, as well as the evacuation of security troops from the former tribal territories.
While everything is going on, Pakistani officials are demanding that the outlawed group disband, lay down their guns, and abide by the country’s Constitution.
It was made clear to the PCNS that the consolidation of former tribal lands, adherence to the Constitution, and disarmament of the organization were all non-negotiable demands. These were referred to as “red lines” by the Pakistani administration.
The legislative leaders may have gotten the idea that the TTP had changed its stance on these three topics.
Once an agreement is achieved, it is expected that TTP militants would be granted a general amnesty.
