NWFP Governor briefs foreign diplomats on Swat deal

Islamabad, Apr 22 (ANI): NWFP Governor Owais Ghani has briefed foreign diplomats at the Foreign Office on the deal with militants in Swat.

"The problem [afflicting the region] lies in Afghanistan and unless you settle the issue there, it will be difficult to create peace in Swat and other border regions of Pakistan," Ghani said.

The Daily Times quoted diplomatic sources as saying that the Governor explained at length the situation in Swat and the latest peace deal with the Taliban to implement the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation.

Ghani also highlighted the involvement of "foreign elements" in the worsening law and order situation in Swat and the Tribal Areas.

He said Afghanistan was the centre of illegal drug production and the NATO and ISAF should curtail that.

The sources said the briefing was first serious and systematic response by the government to blunt the international criticism levelled against the Swat deal. (ANI)