Pakistan Taliban head Hakimullah Mehsud 'open to talks'

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The Leader of the Pakistani Taliban, Hakimullah Mehsud: "The government needs to sit with us, then we will present our conditions"

Pakistani Taliban leader Hakimullah Mehsud has told the BBC he is open to "serious talks" with the government but says he has not yet been approached.

In a rare interview, he denied carrying out recent deadly attacks in public places but said he would continue to target "America and its friends".

The chief loosely controls more than 30 militant groups in the tribal areas.

After being elected PM in May, Nawaz Sharif announced he would open unconditional talks with the Taliban.