Afghanistan-based Taliban leader Maulvi Fazlullah has vowed to return to Pakistan to wage war in his former stronghold Swat Valley, and doubts the government is sincere about peace talks with militants.
“We sacrificed our lives, left our homes and villages for the sake of Sharia (Islamic Law) and will do whatever we can to get Sharia implemented in the Malakand region and rest of Pakistan,” spokesman Sirajuddin Ahmad told Reuters, describing Fazlullah’s position. He was answering questions submitted by Reuters.
The Taliban threat was issued as U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and top U.S. military and intelligence leaders delivered a tough warning to Pakistan to crack down hard on militant groups, an issue heavily straining ties between the uneasy allies.