Jan Achakzai, an Islamabad-based security expert, said that despite challenges, the fact that the ANP brought many different parties on one table was a feat in itself. But, he added, the challenges are immense. The media is not convinced talks with the Taliban will be useful, the civil society is critical of such moves, and ex-army analysts and commentators are angry.
As pointed out by the TTP spokesman, there were no clear roadmaps or goalposts in the final communique. "Apparently, the main stakeholder - the army - was to be taken on board before any possible roadmaps were drawn," Achakzai said. ( Read more):
