The banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan proclaimed a cease-fire between its fighters in South Waziristan and the army in a statement on Friday evening.
According to the TTP statement, “our leaders have asked all combatants to observe a truce from now to October 20.”
The TTP stated that its leaders are having “secret discussions,” but did not elaborate more.
The announcement comes after Prime Minister Imran Khan said earlier in the day that the government is in discussions with “certain” TTP elements about disarming.
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.”
In the sense that the discussions are taking place in Afghanistan, he stated the Afghan Taliban are “helping.”
If the disarmament discussions succeed, the government would “forgive” them, according to the prime minister, and they will “become regular citizens.”
The government’s announcement was met with stiff resistance and outrage by the Opposition.