|PIC1|The Taliban takeover of the Swat valley in Pakistan is likely to expand to cover all of the country if it continues unchecked and will mean worsening conditions for Christians in the country, say mission groups.

Todd Nettleton of Voice of the Martyrs told Mission Network News that the Taliban seemed to have taken encouragement from their success in taking over the Swat valley and now have a foothold from which they could expand into other parts of Pakistan.

Members of the Taliban have already suggested that sharia law gives them the right to fight against any government which has anti-Muslim sentiments. It is feared this could be used as a pretext for the Taliban to expand their territory and influence at the expense of the Pakistani government.

Nettleton spoke of the situation for Christians in Swat valley, "This is the part of Pakistan that is known to be the most-radical Islamic and therefore most-radical anti-Christian.

"We have had Christian workers in that area who've been kidnapped, they have been badly mistreated, and they've been beaten because of their Christian witness.

"Some have been killed, simply because they were known to be Christians and known to be involved in outreach to Muslims.

“This is bad, as it is, and will only worsen if sharia law spreads further than the Swat Valley. As these militants have gained standing, they have gained clout within the country that also promises more pressure against the church."

He also called on people to pray for those doing ministry in the area, as they now have to work more secretly and quietly for fear of persecution.

He said, "It would be sort of easy to either move out of the area or keep your head down and just try to be safe."