Taliban fast expanding influence outside Pak Tribal Areas

Lahore, Jan.10 (ANI): In order to gain control over a large part of the country, the Taliban is expanding its influence outside its traditional strongholds in the tribal areas as well, The Daily Times reported.

"The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is expanding its influence outside the Tribal Areas and has recently appointed leaders in the settled areas of the country," the Daily Times quoted reports from BBC Urdu, as saying.

The Taliban is also in the process of establishing its own rule, and laws in the areas where it has established a tight grip.

Taliban's plan to run a parallel Government in Pakistan is assuming dangerous proportions as the 'sharia courts'set up by local Taliban leaders have already started functioning in most parts of Swat district despite the military operations.

"The courts have been reactivated in Matta, Khawazakhela and Kabal tehsils, where the TTP formed a 'sharia bench' consisting of three clerics," the Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said.

However, the NWFP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain has denied the setting up of any such courts by the Taliban. (ANI)