The Pakistani government has agreed to withdraw troops and introduce Sharia law in the conflict-ravaged Swat valley in return for an end to Taliban suicide bombings and attacks on government buildings.
The peace deal was signed this week by the newly elected government of North-West Frontier Province and representatives of the extremist cleric Maulvi Fazlullah, whose fighters battled the army last year.
The breakthrough represents a coup for the government, which is eager to end militant violence, but will be warily regarded by the United States.
Under the 15-point pact, Islamic law will be introduced in Malakand division, Taliban prisoners will be released from jail and their headquarters, a sprawling riverside madrasa, will be converted into an Islamic university. In return, the Taliban will end their campaign of suicide bombing, shut militant training centres and hand over foreign militants operating in their area.
The deal contains no provision for disarming the fighters who will be allowed to keep their guns at home but not display them in public. Government officials said this was normal.
The militants have also undertaken to allow polio vaccinations to take place — Fazlullah had claimed they were part of a conspiracy to sterilise Muslims. They will also stop attacking barbers who shave beards and girls who attend school. — Â