The Taliban’s deputy leader, Maulvi Faqir Mohammad has announced they are in talks with the government of Pakistan.
The announcement is likely to exacerbate tensions between the US and Pakistan, already at a critical point after the recent deaths of Pakistani troops in a NATO attack.
"Our talks are going in the right direction," said Maulvi Faqir Mohammad.
"If negotiations succeed and we are able to sign a peace agreement in Bajaur, then the government and the Taliban of other areas such as Swat, Mohmand, Orakzai and South Waziristan tribal region will sign an agreement. Bajaur will be a role model for other areas."
"There has been development in our peace talks but the government would have to show more flexibility in its stance and restore the trust of Taliban by releasing their prisoners and stop military operations against them."
According to Mohammad the talks have already resulted in the release of 145 Taliban by the Pakistani government and the Taliban itself has pledged a ceasefire.
The Pakistani Taliban are thought to have very close links to Al Qaida and the Afghan Taliban, both of which are involved in bloody attacks against NATO and Afghan troops in neighbouring Afghanistan.
The US is a major aid donor of Pakistan and regards the Taliban as a terrorist organisation.
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