Pakistan Halts Strikes on Insurgents for Ramadan

Source: AP

Pakistan to suspend military operations against insurgents in northwest during Ramadan


Pakistan will suspend its military operations against insurgents in a tribal region along the Afghan border in honor of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the country's top civilian security official said Sunday.

But security forces will retaliate with force against any militant attacks during the month, Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik said. The suspension is to take effect Monday.

Army spokesman Maj. Murad Khan said late Sunday the military activity had already been halted in the Bajur tribal area, where hundreds of militants have reportedly died and tens of thousands have been forced to flee.

Pakistani Taliban spokesman Maulvi Umar said the suspension in Bajur was welcome, and offered again to negotiate with the government. However, he said militants would not lay down their arms as the government has demanded.



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