Pakistan defends truce with border militants

His comments came a day after the International Crisis Group think tank issued a scathing report that the pact had created a virtual Taliban mini-state where mullahs dispense justice and fighters were launching attacks into Afghanistan.

8220;I would say everyone has won because of this agreement, it8217;s a win for the tribesmen, it8217;s a win for the government, for the country and the people,8221; Aurakzai said in an interview with state Pakistan Television aired on Tuesday.

8220;There was a situation when there was fighting and both sides suffered casualties, soldiers were martyred, the other side suffered casualties and damage. But at last when you sit for talks and the matter is over then you accept each other as friends,8221; he said.

Aurakzai said that the peace agreement was concluded with tribesmen and Islamic students who have no links with the Taliban in Afghanistan. 8220;Their leader is not Mullah Mohammed Omar,8221; he said, referring to the chief of the former Taliban regime.

8211;MATTHEW PENNINGTON