First round of Pakistan-Taliban talks concludes

The first round of direct peace talks between the Pakistan government and the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leadership concluded Wednesday on a satisfactory note.

Both sides, during the talks which were held at an undisclosed location in the North Waziristan tribal region Wednesday, reportedly agreed on several issues, Dawn online reported.

The TTP has also responded positively to the government's demand of indefinite ceasefire and offer of releasing non-combatant prisoners.

The government's mediators are expected to return from the venue of the talks Wednesday night.

Earlier, Taliban sources said that all arrangements were in place for holding direct talks with the government committee.

The report citing sources also said that a five-member TTP shura, including Qari Shakeel, Azam Tariq, Maulvi Zakir, Qari Bashir and another member, would hold talks with the government team.

Earlier Tuesday, a proposed meeting between the government's representatives and the TTP shura was deferred due to bad weather conditions.