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Pakistani official: Peace deal in Swat 'intact'
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-26 21:32

ISLAMABAD – The spokesman for Pakistan's president says the government's peace deal with Taliban in the Swat valley is "intact" despite a new military operation.

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Farhatullah Babar says the military's offensive in Lower Dir district does not void the pact. The operation started Sunday.

Lower Dir is part of Malakand Division, which is covered by the agreement. The deal imposes Islamic law in Malakand in exchange for peace with Taliban militants who have terrorized the Swat Valley.

A military statement said the operation had already killed "scores" of militants. It was not possible to immediately verify the details in the remote, dangerous region near Afghanistan.