KABUL - The High Peace Council (HPC) on Saturday said the death of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) leader Hakimullah Mehsud would not harm Afghan-led reconciliation parleys.

Hakimullah Mehsud, who was killed in a US drone strike in the Dande Darpakhel area of North Waziristan Agency late on Friday, was buried on Saturday morning.

Calling negotiations between the Afghan government and Taliban a success, HPC spokesman Maulvi Shahzada Shahid said the death of Mehsud would not affect the process.

He said the HPC had always been opposed to war, violence and civilian killings. However, he believed Mehsud’s death might affect negotiations between the Pakistani government and rebels.

“His death may have an effect on talks between Islamabad and militants,” he added. (Pajhwok)