In the weekend fighting in Bajaur, which is close to the border with Afghanistan, Dawn newspaper reported that troops backed by helicopter gun ships and air force planes attacked militants' hideouts in various areas. There were no immediate reports of any military losses.

Officials were quoted as saying 500 to 1,000 militants, including some top al-Qaida and Taliban "commanders" have died in the past one month of fighting in Bajaur.

Pakistani army chief Ashfaq Parvez Kayani visited the region and praised tribal elders for their role in fighting the militants.