Taliban broker peace

THE Taliban in Afghanistan have mediated a temporary ceasefire between Pakistan and a local Pakistani Taliban militant group following talks between the two sides in Kabul, an official said yesterday.

The Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has carried out some of the bloodiest attacks inside Pakistan since 2007. It is not directly affiliated with the Afghan Taliban, but pledges allegiance to them.

“During the talks, in addition to significant progress on related issues, a temporary ceasefire was also agreed upon,” Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Twitter.

Pakistan carried out a number of operations against the TTP, but despite reducing the militant group’s footprint, it has not been able to fully stop attacks which in recent months have begun to rise again along its western border.

A TTP statement confirmed the talks and said that a ceasefire had been put in place until May 30.