Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) Punjab (commonly known as Punjabi Taliban) has announced it has given up militancy and will now focus on propagation of religion. The Punjabi Taliban chief, Asmatullah Muavia, in a video released on Saturday, also urged other Taliban factions to stop militant activities in Pakistan. He said the faction has taken the decision as the TTP leadership is "backing illegal activities like extortion, kidnappings for ransom and killings of the innocent."

He vowed to continue with preaching and help out the people in flood-hit areas of the country, after surrendering himself. The Punjabi Taliban chief said he has decided to quit militant activities and to surrender along with his comrades, after consultation with ulema and tribal elders. He also urged the Taliban members of different tribes to quit their militant activities and resort to table-talks, adding he has taken the step in the best interest of Islam and Pakistan.

TTP Punjab leader Asmatullah Muavia said the group would now restrict its militant activities to Afghanistan. According to Muavia, the decision was taken after consultations. The TTP leadership had expelled Muaweya after he welcomed Prime Minister's dialogue offer.

Copyright News Network International, 2014