Taliban Promises Not To Attack Pakistan's Public Places

Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, a network of various insurgent groups in Pakistan, says it will not target public places despite ending a 40-day long ceasefire with security forces.



However, the network warns that "some forces" may strike public places using the end of the ceasefire as an excuse.



"Attacks on security and government installations can be carried out in defense, but we will not target the public places", Shahidullah Shahid, spokesperson for Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan said in a press release.



"Our doors were open to talks yesterday, and are open today".



"If the government shows seriousness, then talks can continue," he added.  



The Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan had unilaterally ended its ceasefire with security forces Wednesday. However, both the government and the network say they will persevere with ongoing peace talks, which are aimed at ending an insurgency that has killed thousands in the last 11 years.



Interior Minister Chaudry Nisar Ali Khan has called a meeting between the government and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan negotiators for Saturday in Islamabad to decide how to precede with the peace talks following the end of the ceasefire.



Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who is serving as premier for a third term, initiated the peace process on January 29.



By Aamir Latif - Anadolu Agency



englishnews@aa.com.tr - Ankara