PESHAWAR: The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has set a precondition for peace talks, saying that US drone strikes must stop in the country’s northwestern tribal areas if the government wants to initiate negotiations with the militants.
The TTP spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told media that a ceasefire alone is not sufficient between the militants and security forces and that drone attacks must be stopped if the government wants them to come to negotiating table.
“A ceasefire alone is not sufficient. The stoppage of drone strikes is essential, otherwise — if drones continue to strike — we will not accept the ceasefire,” Shahid said.