Pakistan

Army operations continue against Taliban in Buner, South of Swat with conflicting claims of casualties and gains/losses by both. It has been a week now; the time Army had thought it would require to cleanse Buner off Taliban. However, the progress seems to be slow. The truce between Sufi Muhammad of defunct TNSM (Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi, translated in English as Movement for Enforcement of Islamic Law) and NWFP government doesn't appear to be holding on despite restraint on part of the government. Taliban have resumed their barbaric activities of looting, killing and blackmailing the locals and government officials alike. NWFP government appointed Qazis(Judges) to hold the office of Dar-ul-Qaza(High Court) as required vide Nizam-e-Adl regulation. Taliban do not agree to this appointment as they wanted this appointment to be done in consultation with Sufi Muhammad. It appears certain that Army will have to undertake another operation in Swat. This is what was predicted by this blogger at the time of Swat truce a few weeks ago. People of Swat have once again started migrating from Swat. Government, once again, appears to be least concerned about these migrants. People of Swat, Buner and other neighbouring areas consider Army and Taliban alike to be responsible for their miseries.