TTP says new chief to decide on peace talks with government

KARACHI: Vowing to continue its anti-state activities until the implementation of Shairah across the country, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Friday said its new chief Mullah Fazlullah would decide on the peace talks with the government, Geo News reported.

"We do not see any peace talks with the government for now and the final decision on it would be made by Mullah Fazlullah, TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a video message received by Geo News.

He said that the TTP would not forgive the killers of Hakimullah Mehsud and chase them even in the far flung areas of Punjab and Balochistan.

He said TTP would continue its activities against security forces in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa as most of the action was being taken against them in this province, however, common people would not be targeted.

TTP spokesman said Nawaz Sharif’s government was powerless.

"The way Nawaz Sharif pleaded with the US for a halt in drone attacks, any common tribesman can do it. It is not like a prime minister to beg for it".

The spokesman said the TTP was not against talks and had presented their demands which included the stoppage of drone strikes, release of prisoners and the withdrawal of the military from FATA.