Pakistani Ruling Party Slams Taliban's Peace Talks Postponement

A senator with Pakistan's Awami National Party (ANP) says the ruling party will fully participate in upcoming general elections and won't be intimidated by Taliban threats. A spokesman for the Tehrik-e Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had previously said in a video statement for journalists on March 18 that the Taliban had temporarily withdrawn their offer of holding peace talks with the Pakistani government because it had not shown a serious effort to start negotiations. The TTP spokesman criticized the democratic system and warned of attacks against the ANP, the Pakistan People's Party, and the Muttahidda Qaumi (United National) Movement. All three are considered to be secular, anti-Taliban parties. Talking to RFE/RL on March 19, Senator Zahid Khan, who represents the ANP, called the Taliban's statement groundless. Last week, Pakistan's parliament became the first in the country's history to complete a full term in office.