Pakistan Taliban extend truce for more talks with government

By MUNIR AHMED
Associated Press

ISLAMABAD (AP) — The Pakistani Taliban say they are extending a cease-fire with the government in Islamabad until May 30, after the two sides held an initial round of talks in neighboring Afghanistan. The militant group, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP, said in a statement on Wednesday that the talks were facilitated by Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers. The Taliban in Kabul confirmed the talks and the cease-fire extension. The TTP is a separate group but allied with the Afghan Taliban who seized power in their country last August. The TTP has long fought for stricter enforcement of Islamic laws in Pakistan, the release of their members in government custody, and a reduction of military presence in the country’s tribal regions.