27 Mar 2014

Pakistan govt talks with Taliban

6:05 am on 27 March 2014

Representatives of the Pakistan government and the Pakistani Taliban have completed a day of negotiations in an undisclosed location in the province of North Wazirstan.

A federal government team travelled to the area near the Afghan border by helicopter.

The talks are the result of an effort by prime minister Nawaz Sharif to find a way to end the insurgency.

The BBC reports the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TPP) wants its version of Sharia law across Pakistan, and has repeatedly rejected the constitution. Many observers say that makes any lasting deal unlikely.

The TTP also comprises many factions, which makes a deal complicated to reach.

Earlier this year Mr Sharif said he wanted to end the insurgency by peaceful means, but also indicated that stronger military action will be used if talks fail.

The BBC says previous deals and attempts to engage the Pakistani Taliban in dialogue have all failed.