Pakistani militants capture police stations

Swat: Militants said on Saturday that they captured two police stations in a mountainous region of northwest Pakistan.

A flag was hoisted over one of the buildings abandoned by officers in the Swat valley, a former popular tourist spot that is now a hotspot for rebel and military clashes.

The insurgents also took control of another police post 10 kilometres to the north, said Mian Rasool Shah, a Taliban commander.

Government officials were not immediately available to comment on the claims.

The rising violence have fuelled fears that President Pervez Musharraf might impose martial law if the court disqualifies his October 6 presidential victory.

A verdict is due before his current term expires November 15, after which Pakistan is due to hold parliamentary elections.