A 'permanent ceasefire' was announced in Swat on Saturday following successful negotiations between TSNM chief Maulana Sufi Muhammad and his son-in-law and Taliban commander Maulana Fazlullah. Speaking on his illegal FM radio channel, Fazlullah declared the ceasefire and said the Taliban would not abstain from rendering any sacrifice for the sake of Islam. Struggle: He said there were no foreign fighters in Swat, adding that they would continue their struggle until they defeat the United States in Afghanistan.
Fazlullah said sharia was enforced in Swat as a result of the Taliban's struggle. He said Sufi was also striving for the implementation of sharia and that was why Fazlullah supported his efforts. He said they would not accept 'anyone's law' in the area except that of Allah, adding that they waged jihad against those who had handed over 600 mujahideen to the US.
Earlier, Malakand division Commissioner Muhammad Javaid announced the truce in Swat during a news conference, adding that there was a complete ceasefire in Swat and the Taliban supported it. Javaid said all girls' schools in the valley would open on Monday. He asked the policemen to attend to their duties from today (Sunday). The commissioner said recommendations had been sent to the provincial government for the establishment of a strong administration in Swat.