The government and the army on Thursday welcomed a unilateral truce offered by Taliban commander Baitullah Mehsud. “Any cessation of hostilities is a welcome step,” chief military spokesman Major General Athar Abbas told AFP. “If they cease militant activities it is a good development,” General Abbas added. However, he said the military had not been informed about the development. “We have not received anything from them,” he said, adding that tribal elders were negotiating with government officials.More good news: “Government welcomes the move ... and we want to tell the people of the country that soon they will hear more good news,” said Interior Affairs Adviser Rehman Malik during a visit to the NADRA headquarters. Responding to questioning, Malik said Mehsud had denied involvement in Benazir Bhutto’s murder. He said investigations would continue and those found guilty would be brought to justice. He said the ceasefire was unilateral. Asked if the government would free more militants as part of a deal, he declined to comment. Malik said the government was reviewing all political cases made by the previous government, including those related to Lal Masjid. Pakistan would not be turned into a battlefield in the name of war on terror.