In recent developments, the government of Pakistan reportedly agreed to release prisoners belonging to outlawed groups Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP).
Earlier today, an anti-terrorism court in Lahore granted bail to several leaders of TLP in cases registered against them. The court also directed all the TLP leaders to submit bail bonds of Rs100,000 each.
Pertinent to note, cases were registered after violent clashes between the police and TLP last month in Lahore. The violent clashes resulted in the death of at least three policemen and the injury of several others.
Read more: 10 days of TLP protest that shook the government
While granting bail is state policy due to general roles in a criminal case, the decision still sparked public outrage owing to the police casualties.
What a waste of precious lives in Punjab police? It's difficult but i hope their families find peace and solace. Shame on the government to accept defeat
— _MoSoof_ (@DrSoofi) November 6, 2021
Moreover, TLP’s recent march to Islamabad also resulted in a clash with the Punjab police. Eleven policemen were killed during the protests and hundreds were injured.
Owing to the increase in violence and political stability, the government and TLP leaders reached an agreement. Interestingly, neither party made the agreement public however, soon after, authorities began releasing TLP members from jail.
On Tuesday, Adiala Jail released 99 TLP workers. Separately, the district administration of Islamabad, too, issued release orders of 41 supporters. The Punjab government released over 800 detained TLP workers.
Furthermore, the move comes after the government declared the banned TLP a “militant organization” for creating unrest in the country after a series of violent clashes.
Read more: Negotiations still possible with TLP: Sheikh Rasheed
#OurDefenderFCBalochistan
Shortly before the interior minister's press conference, Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry categorically said that TLP will not be allowed to challenge the writ of the state and will be treated as a "militant" group and not a religious party.— 🍂 رضــــــــا وفــــــا (@oyy__sun) November 4, 2021
Pakistan agrees to release TTP prisoners
On another similar note, sources claim that the government agreed to release several prisoners of the terror organization TTP.
The government will reportedly release the prisoners in the first phase that would encourage the Taliban militants to declare a country-wide ceasefire.
Recently, reports surfaced that the government is holding secret talks with TTP for a ceasefire. The new Taliban government in Afghanistan on multiple occasions assured Pakistan that it will not allow TTP to use its soil against Pakistan.
Therefore, the Taliban played a mediating role in the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and TTP. Sources claimed that the Interior Minister of Afghanistan’s Taliban regime, Sirajuddin Haqqani brought the two sides together for talks.
Read more: Ceasefire agreement reached between Pakistan & TTP?
According to sources, the Pakistani Taliban initially demanded the release of five senior militant leaders so that they start trusting the Pakistan government and its seriousness in talks.