The military dismissed reports of the presence of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan’s (TTP) militants in Swat, terming it ‘grossly exaggerated’.

“A misperception about the alleged presence of a large number of proscribed organisation TTP’s armed members in Swat Valley has been created on social media,” the Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement on Saturday, adding that the reports of the alleged presence of armed members of a banned organization in Swat were misleading.

Armed men were found in the mountains between Swat and Dir, the military’s media wing said.

“Apparently individuals sneaked in from Afghanistan to resettle in their native areas. A close watch is being maintained on their limited presence and movement in mountains,” it added.

The ISPR said that law enforcement agencies have taken necessary steps to protect the people of nearby areas and that the presence of terrorists would not be tolerated at any place, if necessary, they would be dealt with full force.

KP police assure Swat is totally under the control of civil administration

Earlier on Thursday, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police had clarified that it was aware of the videos circulating on social media and that it was also aware of the apprehensions of the general public that Swat may return to the 2008-09 era when militants ruled the valley with their version of Shariah.

“KP Police assures the public that we are fully cognizant of the fact that some individuals from Swat previously living in Afghanistan are present in far-flung mountainous areas of Swat,” it said in a press release.

However, it added that the valley is “totally under the control” of civil administration and law enforcement agencies were ready to respond to any incident.

“The peaceful society of Swat has no space for terrorism in any form and manifestation.”