Govt hints at release of more Taleban inmates

islamabad — The government has signalled release of more non-combatant Taleban prisoners as part of confidence-building measures to prepare for the second round of direct peace talks with the banned Tehreek-e-Taleban Pakistan, local media quoting officials said on Sunday.

Some reports said that the government will release low-profile militants.

Taleban militants have demanded the release of some 800 prisoners, including non-combatants, and a list has also been handed over to government’s negotiation team.

After deliberation, the sources said, the government has now decided to release more prisoners in next few days. Prof. Ibrahim, a member of the Taleban-nominated dialogue committee, ex- pressed the hope that key developments would take place after the release of prisoners.

“We have handed them over a list of 600 prisoners,” he said.

Meanwhile, Taleban liaison committee member Maulana Yousuf Shah said on Sunday that the Taleban-government talks would begin again from today (Monday) after a brief pause.

Talking to a private TV channel, Maulana Shah said that there was no split in the Tehreek-eTaleban Pakistan (TTP), as all groups were functioning under one umbrella and supported the TTP talks with the government.

Maulana Shah stated that talks with the government would begin on Monday.

In the first phase, steps would be taken towards indefinite ceasefire, he added.