In a statement issued by pokesman of banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) Shahidullah Shahid, the government showed no progress regarding release of Taliban prisoners and declaration of peace zone.

He said that Taliban are serious in holding peace talks with the government seriously but the action against TTP activists across the country continues that is intolerable.

Shahidullah Shahid said that no Taliban prisoner was releases as per the list forwarded to the government while the government was turning the blind eye to the demands.

He demanded of the government to release non-combatant prisoners unconditionally and announce free peace zone so that the negotiation committees could travel without any danger.

It is to mention here that Professor Ibrahim on Monday said that a meeting between government negotiating committee and the Taliban shura is expected to take place in tribal areas, adding that the venue hasn’t yet been decided. He said the second phase of peace talks have started, saying that the first meeting was very positive.

The Taliban negotiator stressed that peace can only be restored through talks. He said they were making efforts to make dialogue successful.

Earlier, Professor Ibrahim said that the government and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) were working on a mechanism for release of prisoners, adding that both sides were moving forward with full confidence.

According to sources, it had been decided to form a special committee and design a mechanism for the release of prisoners. The committee will check the list of prisoners and would forward its recommendations after reviewing the crime if committed by the prisoner.

Earlier, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar announced that 12-13 more Taliban prisoners were being released and the total number of released prisoners before upcoming meeting between government and Taliban representatives would reach 30. He said that Taliban will also have to release non-combatant prisoners including former Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani’s son.

Addressing media after negotiation committees’ meeting at Punjab House, he said that it is difficult to bring peace adding that conducting military operation is no big deal. He said that the government is passing through a patience-testing phase, adding that matters are proceeding in a positive way.

He said that primary objective is to restore peace while staying within bounds of law and constitution, adding that the process of release of non-combatant prisoners of both sides is continued.

He said that Taliban also have to free non-combatant prisoners because single-handed clap is not possible.

Various issues came under discussion during the session. He announced that 12-13 more prisoners will be released before next meeting between government and Taliban representatives.

He said that discussion venue is being deliberated upon, in order to facilitate Taliban, so that government and Taliban can resume talks on major issues.

Earlier, South Waziristan’s political administration released 16 Taliban prisoners on April 2 as part of goodwill gesture,
According to reports, those freed were arrested during various search operations in South Waziristan two years ago.

Sources say the free men include Mera Jan, Abdullah Jan, Salamat Khan, Bandshah Gul, Abdul Aziz, Noorzada, Satta Jan, Saddam Hussain, Ziauddin, Sher Pao, Riaz Ali, Mir Alam, Sher Alam Khan, Iqbal, Noor Alam.
Reportedly, these men belong to outlawed Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) of Mehsood area.