Pakistan frees over 100 TTP prisoners to reciprocate ceasefire truce

PESHAWAR – Pakistan government has freed over 100 Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan prisoners after the militant group agreed to a one-month ceasefire, Express Tribune reported.

The report added that many of the freed detainees were undergoing rehabilitation at the internment centers formed by the government while some of the inmates have not completed the mandatory de-radicalization programme.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the officials told the news outlet that the militants were not released in wake of any demand from the banned outfit, and were released as a ‘goodwill gesture’.

A report of the state broadcaster quoting the federal Information Minister said Pakistan and banned TTP have agreed on a ceasefire. The ruling party minister said the focus of the agreement was on “state sovereignty, national security, peace, social and economic stability in the areas concerned”.

Both sides also formed committees to take the process forward and try to convert the ceasefire into a permanent peace deal.

Earlier, Supreme Court grilled PM Imran Khan during the hearing on the 2014 terror attack for bringing those guilty to the negotiating table while the recent development also sparked controversy as many questioned the contentious move of the incumbent government.

Goodwill with good killers what’s your problem? https://t.co/Dmpci3rACn

— Hamid Mir حامد میر (@HamidMirPAK) November 23, 2021

The government has released more than 100 TTP prisoners as a “goodwill gesture” to reciprocate the ceasefire announced by the group earlier this month, Express Tribune

TTP doesn't take prisoner. Or at least doesn't keep them alive for long. It can't show similar goodwill gesture pic.twitter.com/HCIQ6G3igq

— Adnan Khan Kakar 🎭 (@adnanwk) November 23, 2021

Meanwhile, a recent report cited that TTP wants to open a political office in a third country as a part of one of the three demands the banned outfit made to Pakistani authorities during their initial talks.

It was earlier reported that the Taliban government in Kabul facilitated the temporary truce between Pakistan and the banned outfit which could be potentially be extended.