Pakistan Stops Airstrikes Following Taliban Ceasefire

Islamabad, March 3, IRNA – Pakistani government has stopped airstrikes against the Taliban militants a day after they announced a unilateral one-month ceasefire, interior minister said. Airstrikes on the Taliban positions were launched last month in Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions following Taliban attacks and a deadlock in the peace process. Military officials said the airstrikes killed dozens of militants. ˈThe government has decided to suspend airstrikes after the Taliban’s unconditional ceasefire,ˈ the Interior Minister, Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan said. The Taliban spokesman, Shahidullah Shahid, while announcing the ceasefire on Saturday had also called upon the government to give a positive response. ˈWe consider the Taliban decision to stop violent actions as a positive progress,ˈ the minister said in a statement. He however said the government and the army will have the right to respond to any incident of violence. ˈThe security forces had launched targeted strikes only in response to attacks,ˈ Khan said, adding the government has not conducted any military operation after it has taken over in June last year. Official sources said the decision was taken after Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif discussed the issues with all stakeholders and party leaders. The PM had started consultations about a response to the Taliban’s ceasefire late Saturday and the process continued on Sunday. He also presided over a high-level meeting in Lahore on Sunday to evolve consensus on the issue. The sources said that the prime minister had asked Army Chief General Rahil Sharif to stop attacks on militants./end