Western Media Reports on Taliban-Pakistan Negotiations Are Wrong; Mullah Omar's Spokesman Rejects Reports on Peace Talks

In a research paper dated November 23, 2011, MEMRI argued that recent reports released by major Western news agencies about ceasefire and peace negotiations between Pakistan and the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) "contradict ground realities" in the Pakistani-Afghan jihadist region.[1]

Western news agencies like Reuters in the U.K., AFP in France, and AP in the U.S. had reported, citing anonymous Taliban sources, that the Pakistani Taliban are adhering to an unannounced ceasefire and are engaged in peace negotiations with the Pakistani government and military.

The MEMRI research, titled "Reports on Taliban-Pakistan Peace Negotiations – What to Believe and What to Reject," concluded that these media reports do not reflect ground realities in Pakistan, stating: "For now, it can be argued that there is nothing new in these reports regarding talks for peace or an understanding for ceasefire between the Pakistani Taliban and Pakistani Army."

The full research paper, which analyzed the intricacies of continuing contacts between Pakistani officials and the Taliban, can be read on the MEMRI website by clicking the following weblink: Reports on Taliban-Pakistan Peace Negotiations – What to Believe and What to Reject

A few days later, on November 26, 2011, a leading Pakistani newspaper published another report claiming that Pakistani Taliban militants were directed by Mullah Muhammad Omar, the Taliban leader, to reconcile with the Pakistani government. The report, titled "Mullah Omar is pushing TTP to reconcile with govt" was published by The Express Tribune daily.[2]

Quoting "a Taliban associate" and arguing that it was "confirmed to The Express Tribune over the past week by at least two other members of the terror group," the report added: "At least two Taliban affiliates, one in Miramshah, North Waziristan, and the other in Wana, South Waziristan, said that communication between representatives of Mullah Omar and Pakistani militants took place in an Arab country ... [sometime during the fasting month of Ramadan in August 2011]."[3]

It should be noted that the TTP, like all major Al-Qaeda organizations across the world, owes its allegiance to Mullah Omar, who is considered as Emir-ul-Mumineen, or the leader of the faithful, by the jihadist groups. On November 30, 2011, Qari Yousuf Ahmadi, one of the key spokesmen of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (the Taliban's shadow government in the country led by Mullah Omar), rejected the Pakistani media report as "false" and dismissed it as a Western "propaganda."[4]

Following is the text of the statement issued by the Taliban spokesman:[5]

"The Pakistani newspaper 'The Express Tribune,' citing unknown sources and proofs, published a false report on Sunday which claimed that Emir-ul-Mumineen (Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid) H.A. has given guidance to the Pakistani Taliban and asked them to start talks with the government and turn their full attention to Afghanistan.

"This report was used as evidence by some Western-backed news agencies as evidence to spread their propaganda. After our extensive investigations, we found that this report has no truth to it. In accordance with the policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, we do not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries and neither has such guidance been given to anyone.

"We strongly reject such claims and can confidently say that the esteemed Emir-ul-Mumineen has not sent a letter and neither has he met face to face with anyone regarding this matter.

"It is hoped that news agencies will not publish unconfirmed news and reports which are not backed by any credible sources. They should prove that they are honestly working for the benefit of their countries, are observing all journalistic ethics and are not bias towards any side.

"The spokesman of Islamic Emirate

"Qari Yousuf Ahmadi"