MANSEHRA: Both Taliban and government should show flexibility at the initial stage of talks as restoration of peace was need of the hour, said Jamaat-i-Islami provincial chief Prof Ibrahim.

`It is a great opportunity for both Taliban and government to settle all issues and bring everlasting peace to the country as it is a strong desire of every citizen,` he told a public gathering in Shergar area the other day.

Mr Ibrahim, who is also a member of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan`s committee to negotiate with government, said that he accepted the offer of Taliban as a challenging task. He said that he was fulfilling his responsibilities with utmost sincerity.

`I am working sincerely to bring both Taliban and government to the same table to restore lasting peace in the country and I am optimistic for it,` said Mr Ibrahim.

The JI leader said that country was passing through a difficult stage. He said thattop priority of the committee was to broker a ceasefire between Taliban and government.

`We (Taliban Committee) want both government and Taliban to first ink ceasefire.

We would convince Taliban for it as talks can`t be held in a friendly environment until both sides take confidence building measures,` he said.

About distancing of JUI-F from the talks process, Mr Ibrahim said that although it was their (Maulana Fazlur Rehman`s party) internal issue yet they should guide government in that regard.

He said that existence of the Muslims as a respectable nation depended on Sharia and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and all religious and political parties should accept it and work for it.

The ,U leader said that provincial government was sincerely supporting the dialogue process. If government and people wanted end of drone strikes in Pakistan then America should also show flexibility and halt the attacks, he added.