Pak Taliban sets tough preconditions for peace talks with Nawaz govt

The Pakistani Taliban has announced preconditions for talks for ending insurgency that has killed thousands.

Shahidullah Shahid, spokesman for the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), had earlier welcomed the Nawaz government's move to begin peace talks, but later said it must show its sincerity.

He said that troops in the entire tribal area should go back and the prisoners should be released.

According to the Daily Times, he said that the Pakistan government must take steps which can develop an atmosphere of trust and can remove the doubts and suspicion.

He added that they cannot move forward unless the government accepts these two demands.

Shahid was speaking after the Taliban's shura or decision-making council held three days of talks about the government offer of dialogue.

He said that he members during the Shura meeting stressed the need for confidence-building measures.