Taliban thrash women, vendors in Swat

Mingora (Pakistan), Mar 30: Several women and roadside vendors were lashed and pistol butted in Cheena Bazar here by some unknown persons claiming to be Taliban.

The Taliban, however, denied involvement in the suppressive activity, saying the mischievous act was carried out by dissident elements who wanted to bring a bad name to the group, and derail the peace process in the Swat Valley.

Talking to media persons, Taliban's Swat Chapter spokesperson, Haji Muslim Khan said the elements behind the incident would soon be brought to book.

Replying to queries on Taliban being against female education, Khan said: "There is no ban on women education. They could attend their schools in veils, as Islam is not against female education, rather it is obscenity and vulgarity which is prohibited in Islam."

Furthermore, he said the main objective of the Taliban was to implement Islamic laws in the Swat Valley regardless of the fact that President Asif Ali Zardari signs the peace deal or not.

"If Zardari is interested in peace and Islam, he must sign the accord," Khan added.

ANI