'Decision to target Taliban made jointly by govt, military'

Khan said though the peace process was deadlocked, the government's initiative will continue with militant groups that believe in dialogue.

The government did not carry out any military action against militants since the inception of the peace process in September, he said. “What else could the government have done to show its sincerity of observing a ceasefire.”

Appreciating the role of the committees formed by the government and the Taliban for negotiations, Khan said both played a positive part.

He said the government initiated the dialogue with sincerity and questioned why political parties that are opposing the move had failed to launch a military operation against the militants when they were in power.  

Pakistani fighter jets have pounded militant hideouts in the lawless North Waziristan and Khyber tribal regions, killing over 40 militants including foreigners.

The air strikes, which mostly targeted hideouts in Mir Ali area of North Waziristan Agency, were sanctioned by Sharif himself.