Haqqanis pass Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan’s peace pipe

After the Pakistan government expressed its intentions to hold peace talks with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and the latter welcomed the government offer, the infamous Haqqani network has launched efforts to push the TTP to negotiate a peace deal with the Pakistan government. The initial peace offer was made by the Pakistani PM two days ago.

There are reports that a peace delegation of Pakistani tribal elders met Khalil Haqqani, the brother of Maulvi Jalaluddin Haqqani, the founder of the Haqqani network, in Paktia province of eastern Afghanistan and requested him to use his influence to make peace between anti-Pakistan and pro-Pakistan militants in North Waziristan.

The elders were worried about the mounting US pressure on Pakistan to start another military operation in North Waziristan. Khalil first consulted with Sirajudin Haqqani, the operational commander of the Haqqani network and then sent messages to some TTP leaders not to fight against Pakistani forces.

The TTP has not yet taken a decision because its chief Hakimullah Mehsud wants guarantees before trusting the Pakistani establishment.