TTP Talks Held, but No Ongoing Negotiations with Government: Barrister Saif
Peshawar: The spokesperson for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif, stated that the provincial government believes in dialogue and has previously engaged in talks with the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), but currently, no negotiations are taking place with the federal government.
Speaking alongside Shibli Faraz in a media briefing in Peshawar, Barrister Saif said that the “fake government” had registered false cases against them, including six cases against him. He added that they have protested and will continue to do so until the “fake government” is removed.
He emphasized that it is every citizen’s right to protest in Islamabad, pointing out that PTI founder Imran Khan had made it clear that protests, including sit-ins and rallies, are a part of their movement. He further stated, “Protesting anywhere is our right.”
Barrister Saif reiterated his stance on negotiations, saying that he has always supported dialogue. He revealed that it was he who initiated talks with the TTP, asserting that while the government believes in dialogue, no talks are currently happening. “If Imran Khan gives permission, we are ready for negotiations,” he added.
Responding to claims that they were being labeled as “instigators,” Barrister Saif stated, “Those who are calling us instigators are the real troublemakers. They opened fire on innocent people during the protests, even while negotiations were ongoing.”
The KP government spokesperson also addressed the broader security situation, emphasizing that the issue of law and order in the region dates back to 1979 when Russia invaded Afghanistan. He asserted that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government had not worsened the security situation, but the federal government was wrongly accusing the province of failing to maintain peace. “The federal government is responsible for border security; it cannot absolve itself by merely issuing statements.”
Regarding the situation in Kurram, Barrister Saif said that the provincial government had activated a grand jirga to maintain peace. A ceasefire had been arranged, and the chief minister had donated a helicopter to deliver medical supplies. “There is no emergency in Kurram, just a local conflict. Orders have been given to dismantle the fortifications built there,” he added.
In response to a question about the governor’s participation in an All Parties Conference (APC), Barrister Saif stated that the decision would be made by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.