Pakistani militants take police stations

A flag was hoisted over one building after it was abandoned by officers in scenic Swat valley, a formerly popular tourist destination now plagued by fighting between paramilitary forces and Islamic militants, said Sirajuddin, speaking on behalf of the insurgents.

Hours later, militants took control of another police post 10 kilometers (6 miles) to the north, said Mian Rasool Shah, a Taliban commander, adding they locked the doors to prevent the looting of weapons after convincing 60 officers to leave.

No government official was immediately available to comment on the claims, which came a day after extremists paraded dozens of men described as surrendered government troops before journalists. They — like the 120 security forces who allegedly defected after being surrounded by militants overnight — were later released, Sirajuddin said.

Rising violence and political turmoil in Pakistan have fueled fears that President Gen. Pervez Musharraf might extend his military rule by imposing a state of emergency or martial law, jeopardizing a promised transition to democracy. The government decided following an extraordinary meeting Saturday to beef up security in the capital, Islamabad, and possibly deploy paramilitary forces at important installations across the country, officials said on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak to media.

The Bush administration and European allies — who see Musharraf as a bulwark in the so-called war on terrorism — have reportedly urged the military leader to refrain from imposing emergency measures to maintain his grip on power, a Western diplomat said in Islamabad.

But elements in the country’s ruling party were pushing the military ruler to do so in case the Supreme Court disqualifies his Oct. 6 presidential victory because he did not first give up his position as army chief, the diplomat said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. A verdict is due before his current term expires Nov. 15, after which Pakistan is due to hold parliamentary elections.

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