Tribal militias, known as lashkars, are emerging as an important ally for Pakistan in its battle against the Taliban.<br /><br />Trained by the security forces, the lashkars are patrolling areas which used to be Taliban strongholds until the fighters were driven out in last year's military offensive.<br /><br />The presence of the local militias has been welcomed by residents, who say they feel more secure under the protection of their own men. <br /><br />Al Jazeera's Kamal Hyder reports from Kabbal in the Swat Valley.
