A source within Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) disclosed to Kubha News that the meeting took place in Kabul’s Shashdarak area. Maulana Fazlur Rehman, representing Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, initiated peace talks and proposed a ceasefire to the second-ranking commanders of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
“Sources indicate that Fazlur Rahman discussed the possibility of negotiations with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan under Taliban conditions if his party attains power in Khyber Pashtun Khwa province. “
During the meeting, Rehman urged Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and Hafiz Gul Bahadur group to halt their operations and attacks in Pakistan, advocating for a ceasefire that would include the release of TTP prisoners. The leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Mufti Noor Wali, was represented by Maulana Noor Syed, while the Gul Bahadur group was represented by Maulvi Sadiq Noor.
Sources indicate that Fazlur Rahman discussed the possibility of negotiations with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan under Taliban conditions if his party attains power in Khyber Pashtun Khwa province.
Maulvi Faqir Mohammad, a Taliban leader from Bajaur district, was invited but declined to attend.
On January 9th, an incident unfolded in the Bajaur district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as a roadside bomb explosion targeted a police vehicle responsible for safeguarding an anti-polio vaccination team. The devastating blast resulted in the loss of at least seven police officers’ lives, while another 22 sustained injuries.
According to source, the orchestrated meeting led by Yahya Haqqani transpired at Haqqani’s guest house in the Shashdarak area of Kabul. Rahman’s endeavor to engage in direct discussions with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan leader Mufti Nooroli and Mujahideen United Council leader Hafiz Gul Bahadur was met with their reluctance to participate in a face-to-face dialogue.
Pakistani Taliban leaders, concerned about intense surveillance by Pakistan’s intelligence agencies and potential targeting, hesitated to participate after previous peace talks.
Prior to this meeting, Maulana Fazlur Rahman held discussions with Taliban leader Mullah Haibatullah Akhundzada in Kandahar. During this encounter, it is reported that Rahman requested Akhundzada to exert influence on Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and other Pakistani militant groups, urging them to cease attacks throughout the ongoing Pakistani elections.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, aspires to win the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in the upcoming elections scheduled for February 8.
Analysts suggest that a successful outcome for Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam could pave the way for renewed peace talks between the Pakistani Taliban and the provincial government.