Pak Taliban seeks time to finalise venue for talks with govt

The Pakistani Taliban's nominated negotiator Maulana Yousuf Shah today said the banned militant group has sought time to decide on an alternative venue for direct talks with the government.

Talking to media, Shah said that he contacted the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan's political 'Shura' to decide an alternate venue for talks between the militants and government committee members.

Shah said that the Taliban leadership has sought some time to finalise the meeting venue, hoping that progress in this regard is likely "very soon", after which the government would be informed.

Meanwhile, Maulana Samiul Haq, the chief Taliban negotiator said in Lahore that the group does not want to hold talks in government-run venues, adding that all matters relating to the next meeting would likely be finalised by the evening.