Taliban talks: Ashrafi wants both sides to declare ceasefire

LAHORE: Chairman Pakistan Ulema Council (PUC) Hafiz Tahir Mehmood Ashrafi Sunday said that in order to ensure success of the peace talks the government and Taliban should announce a ceasefire for the next three months.

In a statement issued here, Ashrafi said the nation's eyes are fixated on govt-Taliban talks for establishment of lasting peace in the country.

“In order to make the dialogue a successful move, the government should keep a vigilant eye on the subversive activities of forces that are against the process of peace talks,” he advised, urging the people to pray, and the political and religious parties to play their respective role in this regard.

Hafiz Tahir Ashrafi said that prominent Ulema are scheduled to meet in Karachi over the peace talks and hoped that it would cast a positive impact on the process.