The New Nation - Internet Edition

AFP, Swat

Militants said Saturday they captured two police stations in a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan that has increasingly fallen under the control of Taliban and al-Qaida-linked extremists, bringing further embarrassment to President Gen. Pervez Musharraf's government.

A flag was hoisted over one of the buildings after it was abandoned by officers in the scenic Swat valley, once a 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 six miles to the north, said Mian Rasool Shah, a Taliban commander, claiming his men had convinced 60 officers to leave and then locked the doors to prevent the looting of weapons.

No government official was immediately available to comment on the claims, which came a day after extremists paraded 48 men described as government troops who had decided to surrender. The men, who told journalists they no longer wanted to fight their Muslim brothers, were later released.

The rising violence and political turmoil have fueled fears that Musharraf might extend his military rule by imposing a state of emergency or martial law, jeopardizing a promised transition to democracy. The Bush administration and European allies have urged against such moves, a Western diplomat in Islamabad said on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Elements in Pakistan's ruling party were pushing the U.S.-backed leader to impose emergency measures 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. A verdict is due before his current term expires Nov. 15, after which Pakistan is due to hold parliamentary elections.

Adm. William Fallon, the chief of the U.S. Central Command, met with Musharraf and other top generals on Friday to discuss the security situation in the northwest, where Islamic militants have expanded their reach beyond traditional tribal regions. Washington backs Musharraf as a bulwark in its war on terrorism.

Another report adds: Islamic militants took 120 police and paramilitary soldiers hostage overnight in northwest Pakistan but released them Saturday after disarming them, a rebel spokesman said.

The men were seized in the town of Matta in the scenic Swat valley in Northwest Frontier Province after militants besieged their post late Friday.

"Around 120 policemen and paramilitary soldiers surrendered after they were surrounded," spokesman Sirajuddin said. "We released them on Saturday because they agreed to return to their homes and not to fight with Muslim brothers," the spokesman, who goes by one name only, told AFP.

"Our mujaheddin (holy warriors) are in control of the police station."

It was the second time in a week militants loyal to pro-Taliban cleric Mullah Fazlullah have taken security personnel captive.

Earlier, 48 men said to be paramilitary soldiers were seized by extremists in Khawazakhela town and released after parading them before media on Friday.

Provincial authorities denied the first incident but declined comment on the latest capture of security men.

An AFP correspondent witnessed masked men brandishing assault rifles, rocket launchers and traditional curved Swati swords set up checkposts in Matta and Khawazakhela.