In the Swat district of Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province (NWFP), the Taliban militants have dug up the body of Pir Samiullah and hanged it in public.

Samiullah, who was considered the only capable commander to rival the Taliban in the Swat district, was killed in fighting a few days ago.

Pir Samiullah was a staunch opponent of Taliban activities and was the first notable; person who had formed a tribal army.

On Monday, the Taliban militants publicly hanged Samiullah’s body and executed his two key commanders at the Gwalerai Chowk in the Matta region of the Swat district.

Meanwhile, Muslim Khan, spokesman of the Taliban, has said that forty people taken hostage during the fighting with Samiullah will be forgiven and would be freed soon.

Source: Wrazpanra Wahdat, Pakistan, December 16, 2008