ISLAMABAD: The spokesman for Pakistani president says the government’s peace deal with Taliban in the Swat valley is “intact” despite a new military operation. Farhatullah Babar says the military’s offensive in Lower Dir district does not void the pact. The operation started today.

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 terrorised the Swat Valley. A military statement said the operation had already killed “scores” of militants.

The offensive came days after Taliban forces from Swat began entering another district, Buner, which lies just 100 kms from here. The insurgents began pulling out of Buner on Friday amid reports of possible military action, and threats that the government would scrap the deal.