A pact with the devil...

A cease-fire in the Swat valley of Pakistan has been agreed...in exchange for the implementation of Sharia law....

The Taliban of Swat announced a 10-day ceasefire on Sunday after the government and the Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) reached an understanding about promulgating Sharia, termed ‘Nizam-i-Adl Regulation’, in Malakand region.

“Taliban have declared a unilateral ceasefire for 10 days as a goodwill gesture. Our fighters will not attack security personnel and government installations,” Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said.

However, he said, the militants would hold their positions and defend themselves if attacked.

He welcomed the move to enforce Sharia regulations in Malakand, but added: “We will see how sincere the government is in their enforcement.”