The US has expressed concern over a peace deal the Pakistani regional authorities recently negotiated with militants, allowing Sharia law to be introduced in the north-western Swat valley. The US special envoy to Pakistan and Afghanistan, Richard Holbrooke, has expressed his fear the peace deal could amount to a surrender to the Taliban. India has also expressed its concern over the deal, fearing the move could increase the risk of cross-border militant attacks. Islamabad insists the deal is part of its strategy to counter terrorism and restore peace in the troubled area.
