Taliban extend truce, ask Pakistan to meet demands

MIRANSHAH, Apr 4 (AFP): The Pakistani Taliban on Friday extended a ceasefire by six days to allow the government more time to meet their demands of releasing "non-combatant" prisoners and pulling back soldiers, the militia said in a statement.

The government began negotiations with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) through intermediaries in February to try to end the Islamists' bloody seven-year insurgency.

"We announce to extend the ceasefire till April 10 and TTP directs all Mujahedin to suspend their actions against government and security forces," spokesman Shahidullah Shahid said in a statement.