The fifth round of negotiations between the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and a local peace jirga in Bajaur concluded without progress on Thursday, as the militant group refused to withdraw from the district and maintained its hardline demands.
According to sources, the jirga members returned after hours of discussion, with no agreement reached on any of the points raised. The Taliban’s position remains unchanged, with their leadership insisting they will neither vacate Bajaur nor relocate from populated areas. They have further demanded that security forces refrain from moving in convoys, particularly when transporting weapons, and that the supply of rations or other materials to military posts be communicated to them in advance through the jirga. Both sides have been urged to avoid armed engagements.
Maulana Tariq, a member of the 10-member delegation of religious scholars that participated in the talks, told The News that discussions were conducted in a cordial environment and that “signs of improvement” were visible in the Taliban’s tone. He expressed hope for eventual progress but said the decision to hold another meeting would be taken after consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Security officials and local sources confirmed that TTP armed groups have re-emerged in parts of Bajaur, particularly in Mamond, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents. A significant number of the fighters are reported to be Afghan nationals who have refused repatriation or handover to Kabul. While the security forces have undertaken limited operations, a major offensive is being avoided in order to allow the jirga-led peace initiative to continue.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Adviser on Information Barrister Muhammad Ali Saif said the provincial government had granted Bajaur elders additional time to pursue peace talks at their request. He added that consultations were also under way with elders from other districts to form a grand jirga, which would compile collective recommendations for a broader peace framework. These proposals would subsequently be shared with the federal government for further dialogue.
Sources said security agencies and the district administration are providing full support to the negotiation process. However, they cautioned that, given the Taliban’s rigid stance, a meaningful breakthrough remains unlikely at present.
