In an exclusive interview, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan said that Islamabad has been talking with some groups within the umbrella Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit, with the aim of having the militants lay down their arms.
Khan said on Friday that the talks are taking place in Afghanistan and seek to have the militants lay down their weapons.
“We are in talks with some of the groups on a reconciliation process,” he said.
The PM said he is expecting a deal to come out of the talks but again nothing is certain. He also pointed out that he sees dialogue as the only solution and that the government will “forgive” the militants if an agreement is reached.
When asked if the Afghan Taliban was helping in the process, Prime Minister Khan said that “the talks are taking place in Afghanistan, so in that sense yes.”
“I am anti-military solution, and as a politician, I believe political dialogue is the way ahead.”
“We forgive them and they can become normal citizens.”
This is not the first time a Pakistani official has hinted at a possible amnesty deal with the TTP.
President Arif Alvi last month said the Pakistani government could give amnesty to some TTP members if not involved with the armed group and they don’t engage in criminal activities.
US in Shock
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan has said the United States government will “sooner or later” have to recognise the Taliban, which now rules Afghanistan.
Khan said on Saturday the US is in a state of “shock and confusion” after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan on August 15.
Khan also stated that the US public is currently looking for a scapegoat and “unfairly targeting” US President Joe Biden.
(Interview with TRT)