They said ‘never, ever’ but it seems the Pakistani government has been in peace talks with the local elements of the Taliban. WRC has the details.
 

“A Pakistani Taliban group is in peace talks with Pakistan’s government. It's the first time the Taliban has confirmed negotiations. Yet Pakistan denies any such talks. The United States is not likely to support negotiations with the Pakistani Taliban, which it views as a terrorist group.”
 

According to AP, an anonymous militant group announced last month that peace talks were underway, but Pakistan denied any such talks. Now, the leader of the Pakistani Taliban Maulvi Faqir Mohammed has gone on record saying the talks are going well.
 

Pakistan’s The Express Tribune posted a letter-to-the-editor in which the writer asks a simple question … Why?
 

“What possible purpose could be served by talking to people who are nothing but animals, who have killed thousands of our brave soldiers, paramilitary troopers, policemen and ordinary civilians?”
 

Many in the media expect the U.S. and NATO to share the same sentiments. Voice of America says a peace deal wouldn’t necessarily last.

“It also is not clear if the Pakistani Taliban is united enough as a group to actually strike a lasting deal.”
 

And Al Jazeera reports history shows a peace deal could actually benefit the Taliban -- in ways that would be harmful for Pakistan.
 

“Past peace pacts with the TTP have failed to bring stability and merely gave the umbrella group time and space to consolidate. In every previous case of a peace deal with members of the group, peace deals have broken down and led to the resumption of hostilities.”
 

But there is one person who has faith in the peace deal, the leader of Pakistani Taliban himself. South Asian News Agency has Faqir Mohammad’s quote …
 

“If negotiations succeed and we are able to sign a peace agreement in Bajur, then the government and the Taliban of other areas such as Swat, Mohmand, Orakzai and South Waziristan tribal region will sign an agreement. Bajur will be a role model for other areas.”
 

Reuters report as a gesture of goodwill, Pakistan has released 145 Taliban prisoners.