The Taliban have decided in principle on a ceasefire that is likely to be announced in the next 24 hours but have demanded the release of detained non-combatants and withdrawal of the Pakistani Army from North Waziristan region, media reports said on Sunday.
The outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP)’s political ‘shura’ or council met in the tribal belt to deliberate on the Government’s demand for a truce to take forward a controversial and fragile peace process.
The shura decided in principle to announce a ceasefire in next 24 hours, TV news channels quoted their sources as saying. The Taliban demanded the withdrawal of the Army from North Waziristan region.
They also said non-combatants, including women and children, who are allegedly in the custody of security forces should be freed.Analysts said the army might have a problem with any demand to withdraw its troops since it established its presence in Waziristan tribal region after much time and effort.