Islamabad: The Pakistani Taliban today demanded enforcement of Shariat or Islamic law and withdrawal of security forces from the troubled Swat valley in North West Frontier Province, where the militants have signed a peace deal with local authorities.
The demand was made during talks between the local Taliban and a government negotiating team, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan spokesman Muslim Khan told reporters after the parleys.
The government team was led by NWFP Minister Wajid Ali Khan, who described the talks as fruitful. This was the first round of discussions with the Taliban after the militants briefly suspended the talks last month.
The Taliban in Swat struck a peace deal with the NWFP government on May 21. Pakistan Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsood ordered the suspension of peace talks to protest the launching of operations by security forces in the tribal areas. He later allowed the Taliban in Swat to resume their dialogue with the government.
Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan termed the talks constructive and called for the implementation of Shariat and withdrawal of security forces from Swat.
"We are satisfied with the results of the talks. We want Shariat be implemented as soon as possible. The people will live in peace after Shariat is implemented. No other system can ensure peace," he said.
"The withdrawal of troops is also a must," Khan said.
Government negotiator Wajid Ali Khan said the Pakistan Army would be gradually withdrawn from Swat. Unnecessary check posts set up by the security forces would be abolished and Taliban prisoners would be freed in phases, he added.
The Taliban and the NWFP government also agreed to form a joint committee to enforce Shariat within three months.
Source :
PTI
