Civilians told to quit valley

THE Pakistani government yesterday urged people stranded by a military offensive against Taliban militants in the Swat valley to try to get out.

Many civilians are believed to still be inside Mingora, the main town in Swat, after the army launched an offensive more than a week ago to stop the spread of Taliban influence.

“I appeal to the people of Mingora and other parts which are under aggression, as soon as they get an opportunity, the curfew is relaxed, they should come out,” Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik told reporters.

Malik said more than 1,000 militants had been killed in the offensive, which followed the collapse of a peace deal which Washington had criticised.

President Asif Ali Zardari said Swat was just the beginning.