Pak Taliban 'unlikely' to demand change of system during peace talks

The Pakistan Taliban can demand any change in the governance system, as it can torpedo the entire dialogue process, a senior official has said.

The comments from the official came as a formal contact between government peace committee and Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) may take place soon.

According to the Nation, the Taliban has said their prime objective was enforcement of Sharia, but almost all the religio-political parties of Pakistan believe the 1973 Constitution is based on the Islamic system.

The system disallows the Parliament to enact any law repugnant to the Quran and the Sunnah.

The government committee member also anticipated acts of sabotage by anti-talks elements within the TTP.

According to the report, he said that elements that wish to change the existing system of governance and desire control of their militias at least over the tribal region will try their best to disrupt the peace efforts.

The committee member added that he has learnt from some TTP members that they will focus on release of their associates from prisons, compensation of the war affectees in the tribal region, amnesty for the TTP leadership, withdrawal of armed forces and end of drone attacks.

The Nawaz government has demanded that for talks to proceed the TTP should immediately halt acts of violence, control of any TTP-member militia would not be accepted in any area at any stage, and subject of possible amnesty for indigenous and foreign militants would be dealt with separately.

He added that more conditions could be included after the first round of formal talks with the TTP.