Northern Pakistan getting worst, Govt. ask people to leave Swat town

Situation in northern pakistan is getting worst. Armed Taliban fighters patrolled roads and clashed with security forces in Pakistan's restive Swat valley a day after declaring that the peace deal "stands dissolved", prompting authorities to ask citizens to vacate Mingora, the region's main city today. The Taliban have taken up positions across Swat and begun patrolling roads. Reports said police and security personnel were largely restricted to police stations and camps. There were clashes between militants and security forces at several places, including Mingora, the main city in Swat, the news channels reported.

The Taliban had on Monday said the peace deal they struck with the government "stands dissolved" as the Government continued with its offensive against them. Khushal Khan, the head of the civil administration in Swat, issued a statement this afternoon asking citizens to vacate Mingora as soon as possible. He said curfew would be relaxed between 1.30 pm and 7 pm for this purpose. Six civilians were killed when they were caught in an exchange of fire between security forces and militants.