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Published 10 Dec, 2021 12:22pm

TTP declines to extend ceasefire

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) on Thursday declined to extend a month-long ceasefire with the government, accusing the officials of failing to honour the agreement reached between them in November.

The militant group issued a statement on December 9, the day the ceasefire ended, stating the six points agreed between the two sides on October 25, under the aegis of the "Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan (IEA)".

As per the agreement, the two sides had agreed that the IEA would play the role of mediator between the Pakistan government and the banned outfit, and that both parties would form five-member committees from each side who under the supervision of the mediator would discuss the future course of action and demands of each side.

As per the statement shared by the TTP, 102 prisoners of the "imprisoned mujahideen" had to be handed over to the militant group through the mediator and the ceasefire dates were decided from November 1 to 30. However, the government failed to follow through on its commitment, while also failing to make public their statement on Nov 1 as agreed.

It added that the government also didn't honour the ceasefire with security forces conducting operations in Gandapur, Lakki Marwat, Swat, Bajur, Dir and Swabi in which militants were killed.

“It will be impossible to extend ceasefire under the stated circumstances,” read the TTP statement issued on Thursday.

On November 8, the had government confirmed that a ceasefire had been reached with the TTP, with a senior minister saying that talks were under way “in line with the Constitution” and the ceasefire could be extended keeping in view the progress made in the talks.

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