Pakistan: North West Frontier Province agrees to introduce Sharia law
Apr 29 2008
Postings >> Pakistan

Officials in a troubled corner of Pakistan have agreed to the introduction of Sharia law as part of a ceasefire deal with Islamist extremists.

The government of North West Frontier Province has given a previously outlawed militia group the go-ahead to roll out strict Islamic law – in return for an end to fighting.

The deal included the release from jail of Maulana Sufi Muhammad, leader of the Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Shariat Muhammadi (TRISM) militia now permitted to 'continue its struggle for the enforcement of Sharia law through peaceful means'.

Muhammad was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 2001 for terrorist activities – but has had the rest of his sentence dissolved by the authorities. The provincial government expresses its 'confidence in the good faith' of the TRISM – with one proviso: 'If this respect should fail, we are ready to use any means.'

Some observers insist this is another signal of the 'Talibanisation' of Pakistan.

The agreement follows close on the heels of a report by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, which concludes that 2007 was the worst year in Pakistan's history. It highlights concerns about dwindling religious freedom in North West Frontier Province and tribal areas contested by Islamist extremists. Sectarian violence claimed 580 lives last year.

• Pray for the small Christian community in North West Frontier Province as they face the prospect of Sharia law being introduced officially.
  
• Pray that national and provincial governments in Pakistan will ensure minority groups' rights are upheld when negotiating with extremist groups.