Taliban issues stop order

A top Taliban commander in Pakistan has reportedly ordered his followers to stop all attacks in the country.



Baitullah Mehsud, who is accused of masterminding the assassination of former Opposition Leader, Benazir Bhutto, said anyone who violates his order would be punished.



According to BBC reports, Mehsud made the order in a bid to restore peace in the South Waziristan region.



A spokesman for Mehsud, Mauli Omar said the Taliban have been in touch with the new government in connection with a possible new peace deal.



He said the deal calls for an end to militancy, an exchange of prisoners, and an army withdrawal from the area.