Pakistan in Taleban prisoner swap

Nato is alarmed at deals between militants and Pakistan's government

Pakistan's army has swapped prisoners with the Taleban and cut troop numbers in a tribal area near Afghanistan, stirring growing alarm in the West.

An army spokesman said more than 30 people detained by the military had been freed. Twelve security personnel were released by militants in return.

The moves in South Waziristan are part of efforts to end violence in the area.

Nato criticised the deals by Pakistan's new government, saying cross-border attacks in Afghanistan are on the rise.

Pakistani army officials say troops have been shifted from at least two parts of South Waziristan, as officials try to reach agreement with leading pro-Taleban commander Baitullah Mehsud.

Nato and the US say such deals have led to "safe havens" for the Taleban and al-Qaeda along the border.

Nato spokesman James Appathurai said such agreements could let militants "rest, reconstitute and then move across the border".

He said the alliance did not want to interfere in Pakistan's internal affairs , but wanted to "convey our concerns about what is happening inside Afghanistan".

Hostages

Wednesday's prisoner handover took place after negotiations by tribal elders.

Correspondents say it is not thought any high-profile suspects were among detainees released by the military.

Army spokesman Maj Gen Athar Abbas said two officers were among the soldiers and paramilitary Frontier Corps constabulary freed by the militants.

It is thought some had been held for months.

Scores of soldiers were taken hostage by the militants last year as they stepped up a campaign of attacks and suicide bombings that killed hundreds across Pakistan.

Tens of thousands of Pakistani security personnel have been stationed in areas near the Afghan border as part of efforts to curb militant activity.

But more than 700 Pakistani soldiers have been killed and the militants are in de facto control of large areas.

The opposition won February elections in Pakistan and the new government wants to negotiate "peace deals" to end the violence.

It is thought the government wants guarantees from militants that shelter will no longer be given to foreign fighters.