Former TTP spokesman Ehsanullah Ehsan claims he has 'escaped'

Former spokesperson of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Ehsanullah Ehsan, has claimed in an audio message circulating on social media that he is no longer in the state's custody and has managed to 'escape'.

A government official, commenting on the development, stated simply that Ehsan had surrendered voluntarily to the government on Feb 5, 2017 under an agreement.

Security sources said the state had launched many successful anti-terrorism operations based on information provided by Ehsan. 

'Voluntary surrender'

Soon after surrendering in Feb 2017, the former TTP spokesperson had during a TV interview admitted his involvement in several terrorist incidents.

On the other hand, no formal statement was ever issued on behalf of the state on the circumstances and conditions of his surrender. 

Instead, a video 'confession' had been released in which Ehsan had provided details of terrorist organisations working with hostile foreign agencies to destabilise Pakistan.

Ehsan had stated in the 'confession' that terrorist organisations were working with Indian and Afghan intelligence agencies and security forces to carry out subversive activities in Pakistan.