Iftikhar demands Taliban to renounce violence

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Information and Public Relations Mian Iftikhar Hussain has said that Awami National Party (ANP) had not asked Taliban to lay down arms rather demanded of them to renounce violence, Geo News reported.

Commenting on TTP chief Hakimullah Mehsud’s statement, Mian Iftikhar said accepting offer of dialogue by Hakimullah is a positive step. He said for success of negotiations it is important to give up violence.

KPK minister said offer made by ANP chief Asfandyar Wali to Taliban was a serious, basic and logical effort, however, it is important to have progress in this for brining peace.

He ruled out backdrop negotiations with Taliban, saying there is no need of it.

Mian Iftikhar said Taliban should form a powerful committee for talks with the government.