Geneva - An international advocacy group condemned Wednesday the use of landmines by Taliban fighters in Pakistan, saying they would endanger civilians trying to flee combat in Swat valley.

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, said the laying of landmines posed both an immediate risk as well as a latent one.

Many landmines planted during conflict tend to explode after the fighting has ended, killing and maiming civilians during peace time.

Pakistan has not signed onto the international treaty against landmines. While the treaty is only open to sovereign states, over the years, many armed militant groups have also agreed to stop using landmines and blew up their stockpiles.

Evidence indicating the Pakistani Taliban was laying mines was gathered by Human Rights Watch, a member of the international campaign. (dpa)