Pakistani Religious Scholars Call For Taliban-gov’t Ceasefire

Islamabad, Oct 1, IRNA – Pakistan’s prominent religious scholars have launched an appeal to the armed Taliban militants and the government to declare ceasefire unless the proposed peace talks become fruitful. The scholars warned that some elements are trying to sabotage the dialogue process between the Taliban and the government. The government says it will hold talks with the Taliban following a parliamentary parties meeting unanimously called for peace talks with the Taliban to end the bloodshed. Both Taliban and the government sources have confirmed initial contacts through mediators, including tribal elders and religious scholars, however no formal talks have yet started. The Taliban had called for the release of their prisoners and withdrawal of troops from the tribal regions, the conditions rejected by the Army Chief, General Ashfaq Pervaiz Kayani in a recent statement. As the process has yet to begin, the prominent religious scholars urged the government and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to declare ceasefire in the name of Allah Almighty and His Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Meanwhile, scholars held a meeting with Maulana Salimullah Khan on Monday, urging both parties to halt armed action until the outcome of peace negotiations. “Pakistan is in a civil war like situation and many people have lost lives in the on going war. Some elements want to close the doors for the elusive peace. We appeal to both sides in the conflict to stop fighting and begin peace talks,” they said in a statement. They expressed satisfaction with the decision of the government, military and Taliban on ending civil war through dialogues as they believed that bloodshed was not the solution to any issue./end