ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government is in disarmament negotiations with some groups of the proscribed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), according to Prime Minister Imran Khan, as the country seeks stability in the face of a rapidly changing scenario in Afghanistan.
In an interview with TRT World’s Ali Mustafa in Islamabad, Prime Minister Imran Khan said: “Some Pakistani Taliban factions, I believe, want to talk to our administration. For the sake of peace and reconciliation, you know.”
When asked if Pakistan is in discussions with the TTP, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif emphasised that conversations are underway “with certain of them.”
He emphasised that he expects a settlement with the TTP will be reached, saying: “Military options do not appeal to me. Military solutions irritate me. As a politician, I’ve always thought that political discussion is the way to go, which I’ve always believed was the case in Afghanistan with the US.”
The prime minister stated that he has always felt that a non-military solution is the only way ahead for Afghanistan, and that he has stated this in national and international venues several times.