80 percent of Swat valley under Taliban grip: Report

Islamabad, Feb.1 (ANI): The Taliban has established a virtual parallel government in the Swat valley and reports suggest that the democratic government of Pakistan has almost completely lost command over 80 percent of the scenic valley, says a report of The Washington Times

The Taliban's own system of justice is creating havoc among people forcing a large number population to leave the valley.

The sharia announced by the extremist group in the region, and the harsh treatment often leading to cruel deaths rejects Pakistan government's claim of having their writ intact here.

The barbarian Taliban rule has also banned girls and women from venturing out from their house for shopping and has forcibly closed all the institutions imparting education to girls.

The report in the paper adds that the militants are led by Mullah Fazlullah, a hard-line cleric, and associated with Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, an umbrella group of Pakistani militants headed by Baitullah Mehsud.

Military operations carried out by the Pak army in Swat valley didn't had any effect on the Taliban here, as they continue to dominate the region and have thwarted all efforts by the security forces to challenge their domination.

Senior military officials said the menace would soon be cleared but failed to set a date for it.

"Operation against miscreants in Swat is at crucial stage. We will soon achieve our objectives," the paper quoted Maj. Nasir Khan, as saying.

"They (militants) are enemies of humanity. They are a threat to the whole world. Military operations will continue until the miscreants are destroyed," Khan added.

While the 'democratic set-up' of Pakistan believes that it will force its way back into the Swat valley, the Taliban continues to expand its stronghold, the report concluded. (ANI)