Pakistan Taliban Freezes Peace Talks

"There is no respite in military activities in South Waziristan, which was earlier promised," Mualvi Omar, the spokesman of Tehrik-e-Taliban, an umbrella of various pro-Taliban militant groups operating in South and North Waziristan, told IslamOnline.net by satellite phone.

"The government doesn’t seem to be practically serious in holding negotiations. It appears to be serious but only verbally," he said.

"Therefore, Amir Tehrik-e-Taliban has announced an end of the ongoing dialogue."

Baitullah Mehsud made the decision after meeting tribal elders in South Waziristan who have been trying to broker a peace deal between him and the government.

The tribal elders, who were supposed to be the guarantors of the proposed deal, told him the government was not ready to pull out the troops.

Major General Ather Abbas, the director general of the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), confirmed troops have not vacated positions in South Waziristan.

"We have not vacated any position so far," he told IOL.

"I have no information about suspension of talks, because it’s the government’s purview. We are bound to follow the instructions of the government."

Vacation of military positions is one of the key demands of the Taliban, which was entertained in a 15-point draft agreement.

Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani-led coalition government started negotiations with the militants in March.

More