Pak govt in 'secret negotiations' with Mehsud to avert Waziristan offensive: Report

London, July 28 (ANI): The Pakistan government has entered into 'secret negotiations' with Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Baitullah Mehsud, which is the prime reason why Islamabad has refrained from launching an all out operation in South Waziristan, a leading British daily reports.

A report in The Telegraph said that the government has delayed the ground assault against Mehsud due to secret negotiations between him and security forces.

The report said the government wants Mehsud, the mastermind of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's assassination, to announce that he would not strike government establishments in future.

"This would not be a total surrender, but a guarantee that Baitullah would not indulge in any anti-state activity in future," an official said on conditions of anonymity.

The official's statements could not be verified, but the delay in ground offensive in Mehsud's stronghold region certainly raises questions over Islamabad's commitment against the insurgents.

Moreover, it is likely to annoy the US, which has until now commended Pakistan's efforts in Swat and Malakand Divisions.(ANI)