TTP Talks Prospects.

On Saturday, reports emerged that the Afghan Taliban has expressed optimism that the talks between the TTP and Pakistan government could succeed, in addition to the fact that an indefinite ceasefire has been agreed upon. At face value, such developments are encouraging, however there are still a lot of vague details regarding the contours of a potential agreement.

Certain demands have been tabled by the TTP that cannot be accepted keeping in mind the national interests of the country and its citizens. The TTP has demanded: a reversal of the merger of semi-autonomous tribal areas into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) province; withdrawal of all military presence from the tribal region; enforcement of Sharia Law in the Malakand region of K-P; release of over 100 commanders and fighters; presidential pardon for two key militant commanders; and complete freedom of movement for the TTP members in the Malakand region.

These demands are unviable as they would be tantamount to ceding constitutional sovereignty in these regions to a group that is existentially and ideologically opposed to the country. Moreover, the merger of tribal areas was a landmark decision taken in accordance with the will of the people and the...