Pakistan to suspend strikes along Afghan border for Ramadan

Islamabad: Pakistan's top civilian security official says military operations against insurgents along the Afghan border will be suspended for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

However, security forces will retaliate with force against any militant action during the month, Interior Ministry chief Rehman Malik added on Sunday.

The US has pressured Pakistan to act against militants in its border regions, fearing Taliban and Al Qaida-linked fighters there are involved in attacks on American and Nato forces in Afghanistan.

In recent weeks, Pakistani forces have waged offensives against militants in the Bajaur tribal region and the Swat Valley area, leaving hundreds dead and forcing tens of thousands to flee.