Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has ordered an inquiry into allegations that a top official, who was earlier posted in Swat, had facilitated the execution of four Pakistan Army commandos by the Taliban.

Syed Muhammad Javed, who was earlier the Commissioner of Malakand division which includes Swat, was removed from his post last month for his "soft" attitude towards the Taliban and militant commanders.

Authorities have blamed Javed for failing to prevent spread of the Taliban from Swat to the nearby districts of Buner and Dir Recent media reports have suggested that Javed facilitated the execution of four Special Services Group commandos who were captured by militants by failing to press for their release.

The four commandos were reportedly shot and then beheaded by the militants.

During a recent interaction with journalists, Gilani said, "Let me assure you that notice of the reports about the role of the former Malakand commissioner in the beheading of four SSG commandos has been taken at the highest level and he would be punished in the light of the report."

Javed was nicknamed the "godfather" of Taliban in Swat and has been accused of acting as an adviser to the militants.

Residents of Buner have accused him of telling lies to facilitate the fall of their city to Tajik and Uzbek fighters last month.

Gilani was told by journalists that the kin of one SSG commando had pointed out in the presence of Parliamentary Affairs Minister Babar Awan that the former Malakand commissioner was involved in the killing of the soldiers.

According to the families of the four commandos, they killed eight militants after they found out they were to be executed. Two militants then shot the commandos before they were beheaded.