Concerns over Taliban deal are speculative: Pakistan

Pakistan has described as "speculative" concerns expressed by the world community over a peace agreement between religious hardliners and authorities to enforce Sharia law in the insurgency-hit Swat valley.

Pakistan has described as "speculative" concerns expressed by the world community over a peace agreement between religious hardliners and authorities to enforce Sharia law in the insurgency-hit Swat valley.

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"We have seen some reactions, for example by NATO, (but) these are mostly speculative," Foreign Office spokesman Abdul Basit told a weekly news briefing when his attention was drawn to criticism by some countries.

"Pakistan attaches immense importance to eliminating militancy and terrorism. Establishing peace, security and stability are matters of highest priority to the government. Pakistan will use all necessary means to achieve these objectives," he said.

An agreement signed on Monday by the North West Frontier Province government and the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Mohammadi, an outlawed pro-Taliban hardline group, envisages the enforcement of Islamic laws in the Swat valley and nearby areas.

NATO, Britain, India and other countries have expressed concerns over the pact, saying it could embolden militants and provide them safe haven. They have also said that similar pacts in the past have not been successful.