Peshawar: The Tehrik-i-Taliban (TTP) Chief Hakim ullah Mehsud said on Friday that his militia is willing to negotiate with the government but not disarm.
According to a video message obtained by Reuters, the militant chief said that they believe in dialogue but it should not be frivolous.
“Asking us to lay down arms is a joke.”
In the video, Mehsud sits cradling a rifle next to his deputy, Wali ur-Rehman. Military officials say there has been a split between the two men but Mehsud said that was propaganda.
“Wali ur-Rehman is sitting with me here and we will be together until death,” said Mehsud, pointing at his companion.
“We are against the democratic system because it is un-Islamic,” Mehsud said. “Our war isn’t against any party. It is against the non-Islamic system and anyone who supports it.”
He further said that the Pakistan Taliban would follow the lead of the Afghan Taliban when it came to forming policy after most NATO troops withdraw from Afghanistan in 2014.
“We are Afghan Taliban and Afghan Taliban are us,” he said. “We are with them and al Qaida. We are even willing to get our heads cut off for al Qaida.”
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription