Sharif tells committee to initiate talks with Taliban

The meeting also touched on topics like the committee's mandate and rules for negotiations with the militants.

It was decided these matters would be discussed in detail at the next meeting.

Amidst mounting speculation about a military offensive against the Taliban following a series of attacks on the security forces, Sharif sprang a surprise on January 29 when he announced the formation of the committee in the National Assembly.

Shrif said he wanted to give peace talks another chance.  

He has maintained that there is only one precondition for talks - no terrorist attacks during negotiations.  

The banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan welcomed the talks offer and is in the process of setting up its own committee to join the dialogue.

Earlier, senior leaders of the ruling PML-N had publicly hinted at a military operation against the Taliban.

The federal and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa governments have been assigned the responsibility of providing security and travel facilities to members of the committee.