Ready to hold talks if Hakimullah renounces violence: Rehman Malik

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

Speaking to reporters here, Malik said action would be taken if the TTP continued on its path of violence. He added that the government and army had fought terrorism.

“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 TTP”.

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

Referring to the murder investigation of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Malik said authorities had made the required arrests.

Malik further said that no one would be stopped from holding a long march and they will be provided all facilities.