Anti-Taliban politician killed in suicide blast

A suicide bomber killed an anti-Taliban politician as he was receiving guests at his home in the Swat Valley today, Pakistani officials said.

The attack comes months after a military push into the north-western territory which the government declared a success.

The situation has been relatively peaceful since the offensive but sporadic violence continues, underscoring the difficulties the army faces.

Swat Valley police chief Qazi Farooq and hospital officials said provincial politician Shamsher Khan was killed when an attacker set off explosives at his house in Deri Kili, Kanju.