The ongoing peace talks between the government and Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have hit a major snag following eruption of an internal conflict within the Taliban factions, it is learnt. Informed sources told Business Recorder that there is an ongoing internal conflict within various groups of Taliban that are part of the TTP. They are divided into pro- and anti-peace process groups. Professor Ibrahim, a Taliban committee member, confirmed the reports about the existence of an internal Taliban conflict.

"More precisely, Khan Saeed alias Sajana-led group of Mehsud tribe and all other associated with the Deobandi school of thought are supporting the peace talks while the rest that come from the Panjpiri school of thought closely associated with Salafi movement are against the dialogue process with the government," the source further maintained. The current TTP chief, Maulana Fazlullah, is also from the Panjpiri school of thought. Professor Mohammad Ibrahim while talking to media persons in Peshawar said that an inordinate delay in meeting Taliban's demands by the government was the reason behind the deadlock in the ongoing peace process.

When contacted, Maulana Yusuf Shah, another Taliban committee member, however, rejected the impression that there was a deadlock in the peace process. He said that both the committees would soon meet for another round of direct talks.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2014