Saudi twigs in Taliban’s olive branch to Pakistan

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or Taliban Movement of Pakistan (TTP) has suggested it would consider peace talks with the Pakistani government but added that they would want to involve an Arab country that they trust like Saudi Arabia, a local newspaper reported on Monday.

“Our shura (council) will decide whether and when can we enter into talks with the government, with the military,” the Express Tribune quoted Maulvi Wali-ur-Rehman Mehsud, deputy leader of the Pakistani Taliban as saying.

“But I think we would like to involve countries we trust ... they are in the Arab world. Let’s say Saudi Arabia.”

“Until now, we don’t have any direct peace offer ... our shura will sit down when we are approached. That is how we operate. There is one centralised body to take important decisions,” Mehsud said.

Any shift towards reconciliation with the TTP could anger Washington. Last year, the United States added the TTP to its list of foreign terrorist organisations and set rewards for information leading to the capture of two of its leaders.