Islamabad, October 4
Amid conflicting reports about his death following prolonged illness, Pakistani Taliban chief Baitullah Mehsud made an appearance in a remote village in the country’s restive tribal region, witnesses have claimed.

The militant commander was accorded a “warm welcome” by people of his Mehsud tribe when he appeared in Saam village in South Waziristan tribal region bordering Afghanistan, the witnesses were quoted as saying by the media here.

Pakistani and international media had earlier reported that Mehsud, who suffered from diabetes and hypertension, had died on Tuesday after lapsing into a coma.

But, Pakistani Taliban spokesman Maulvi Omar and Mehsud’s family had denied the reports of his death.

Tribesmen and Taliban fighters reportedly fired rocket launchers and automatic
weapons when Mehsud appeared in Saam. They also presented a traditional
turban to him.

The Taliban leader also visited other areas in South Waziristan, including Ladha, Kani Garam, Salai Rogha and Badr, NNI news agency reported.

Tribal elders decided to arrange a visit by Mehsud to prove that reports of his death were baseless, the speakers were quoted as saying.

Mehsud is accused of launching suicide attacks against Pakistani security forces
and is wanted for allegedly masterminding the assassination of former premier
Benazir Bhutto. — PTI