Azam Tariq says the militants are purposefully withdrawing from some areas to bring government soldiers further into Taliban territory.

He said in a telephone call yesterday with the reporters that "We are prepared for a long war."

Tariq also denied army claims that dozens of militants have been killed, saying only 11 have died so far.

In mid-October, the Pakistani government launched an offensive in the South Waziristan tribal region, viewed as the main stronghold in the country of both the Taliban and al-Qaida.

The offensive has drawn retaliatory militant attacks across Pakistan.