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| Pak signs peace accord with tribesmen in Bajur tribal agency | | | ISLAMABAD, MAR 27
Pakistan has signed a peace accord with pro-Taliban tribesmen in the restive Bajur tribal agency near the Afghanistan border to stop activities of foreign militants in the area.
The pact, which is the second of its kind in the tribal region in less than six months, was signed yesterday during a jirga (council of elders), in the presence of 500 tribesmen of Salarzai and Utmankhel tribes at Khar, the headquarters of Bajur agency.
Under the deal, the tribesmen could not shelter any foreign militants and in return, the government would have to take tribal elders into confidence before any operation.
The government would also have to respect traditions of tribesmen, tribal elder Malik Abdul Aziz said. He hoped the agreement will improve situation in the area and will ensure peace.
Another major tribe Mamund has already signed such an agreement with the government, according to news reports.
The peace agreement came as Pakistan's deal with tribal elders in Waziristan to prevent militants' infiltration came under criticism from the United States after over 100 people were killed in recent clashes between tribesmen and Uzbek militants in the tribal agency.
However, Pakistan differed with the US's assessment of the Waziristan accord, stating that the recent attacks proved that the deal was a success.
Foreign Office spokesperson Tasnim Aslam said yesterday that the clash between local tribesmen and foreign fighters from across the border during the last few days showed the "success of the strategy adopted by Pakistan."
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