Residents flee Pak Tribal town

The curfew was relaxed from 10.00 am to 5.00 pm so that people could buy food and other items, local administrator Zaheer Islam told AFP.

Shops and markets remained open during the day but many residents were seen leaving their homes in private cars and pickups piled with household belongings, witnesses said.

The town has been badly battered in battles between police and troops and pro-Taliban militants.

A curfew was imposed in the area eight days ago when militants clashed with security forces after occupying government buildings. It was relaxed for five and six hours on Friday and Saturday.