Rehman Malik says ready for talks if TTP renounce violence

Federal Interior Minister Rehman Malik has said that the government was ready to hold talks with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Hakimullah Mehsud if he renounced violence.

The minister while speaking to media said action would be taken if the TTP continued on its path of violence. He added that the government and army had fought terrorism.

He noted, “The TTP has given no response regarding renouncing violence. When a reply is received all stakeholders will be consulted and the nation’s emotions will be taken into consideration before implementing any policy regarding the Taliban”.

Earlier, Hakimullah Mehsud in a video message had said the TTP were ready to negotiate with the government but unwilling to surrender their arms.

Commenting on the murder investigation of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Malik said authorities had made the required arrests. He said that no one would be stopped from holding a long march and they will be provided all facilities.

Replying to a query, the interior minister said that mobile phone services would not be suspended in Karachi on New Year night.

Earlier, law enforcement agencies have requested the federal government – through Sindh Home Department – to ban mobile phone services in Karachi on New Year eve.

This request for ban on mobile phone services is based on intelligence reports, hinting possible attacks on New Year celebrations in the city.

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Posted by Faisal Farooq on Dec 31 2012. Filed under Latest News, National, Pakistan. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.