ISLAMABAD (AP) — The head of a branch of the Pakistani Taliban says his group will give up armed struggle in Pakistan in favor of a preaching campaign to push for the imposition of Islamic law in the country.

In a video message, the head of Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (Ismatullah Muawia) says the group came to its decision after consulting with religious scholars. However, the group will continue to fight foreign forces operating in Afghanistan.

The announcement is the latest blow to the Pakistani Taliban, which last month saw several factions leave the organization to form a splinter group.

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