Context
Pakistan has declared the Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) must give up arms before the two sides can sit down to negotiations. Pakistan’s Interior Minister Rehman Malik on Tuesday told reporters, “The minimum agenda is that they give up arms and come forward and then there will be talks. But if they think they will keep Kalashnikovs in their hands and also hold talks that will not happen.” Although both sides have expressed an interest in dialogue, it is unclear if the Taliban will lay down their arms.
Security analyst Mahmood Shah is skeptical about the developments. “How can you talk to groups that don’t even respect the concept of Pakistan, never mind laying down arms?” questioned Shah.
The Tehrik-e-Taliban (TTP) is a major source of unrest in Pakistan. TTP is waging a war in Pakistan’s tribal belt and has threatened to overthrow the government.