He said relatives of the terrorists were also involved in initiating talks with the terrorists inside the facility.
At least one counter-insurgency officer was killed by terrorists, who according to officials had snatched weapons from their guards during interrogation. Saif said that many important members of TTP were present at the centre.
He did not say how many security personnel were taken hostage. But, an intelligence official said there were six hostages – four from the military and two from counter-insurgency.
The TTP, which has stepped up attacks since announcing an end to its ceasefire with the government last month, has long used violence to take over the country and impose its hardline brand of Islam.