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Gov't in secret talks with Taliban

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Islamabad, Aug 31, IRNA -- Backchannel talks between Pakistan government and Taliban are under way to work out a peace formula, local media reported on Saturday.

“Unofficial talks between the government side and Taliban are in progress,” Information Minister Pervez Rashid told media. He said the government was exploring all options to restore lasting peace to the country and was in contact with Taliban at different levels.

He endorsed a statement made by Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman that a formula had been chalked out for holding formal talks with Taliban within a month.

Earlier, the JUI-F chief had told reporters in Parliament House that a forum comprising authoritative and responsible people was being formed for holding talks with Taliban within a month.

The information minister did not say at what level talks had been initiated and with which group of militants. But, he said the government was ready to negotiate with any group of Taliban interested in holding talks.

“I cannot say with which group of Taliban we are holding talks because today we are talking with two groups and if another group wants to join we will welcome it too,” he said.

Mr Rashid said the government’s main objective was to restore peace and it would do everything possible to achieve that. “We have to rid the country of the menace of terrorism for which all options would be utilised.”

Earlier, the government had announced that it would hold an all-party conference to seek proposals for a formula under which talks could be initiated with Taliban. But the conference has not taken place for one reason or the other.

It may be mentioned that leaders of major opposition parties including the PPP, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, Awami National Party and the PML-Q have supported the decision to hold talks with militants.

When contacted, JUI-F spokesman Jan Achakzai said the government had established some contacts with Taliban. “Certain steps have been taken behind the curtain.”

Meanwhile, a senior Taliban leader has confirmed that initial contacts between the militants and the government had been made. He told media that the talks encompassing a wide range of issues including prevention of sectarian violence and snapping of ties with Al Qaeda and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi had been held.

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