Pakistan: Taliban militants pardoned in North West Frontier Province
Jun 24 2008
Postings >> Pakistan

The release of several Taliban militants in North West Frontier Province has paved the way for Sharia law and the 'Talibanisation' of the region.

The first wave of pardons handed out to Taliban militants in the province this month is the start of the formal handover of part of the province to Islamist radicals.

The local and federal governments signed an agreement last month, allowing the radicals to introduce Sharia or Islamic law to part of the province in return for a ceasefire (7x7, April 29, 2008). The radicals belong to a group called Tehreek-e-Taliban Swat.

Some 64 militants were freed from Timergara jail on June 6 and the rest were scheduled to be released over the following two weeks. All were cleared of terrorism charges.

The area given over to the Taliban includes the Swat Valley – home to a tiny Christian minority of about 70 families already under huge pressure to conform to Islamic codes.

Meanwhile, in Lahore, RI's partner Joseph Francis, director of the Centre for Legal Aid Assistance and Settlement (CLAAS), has again been attacked by radicals – the second time in less than three months. Joseph's car was chased by two militants on motorbikes who pulled out a gun and tried to stop him. He was able to escape in heavy traffic.

Before disappearing, the pair threatened to kill Joseph unless he gave up his work defending 'blasphemers'. CLAAS lawyers offer legal support and protection to religious minorities including Christians. 7x7 reported on March 18 that Joseph's car was attacked as he transported a Christian girl who had been raped by Muslims to a safe house.

Pray for Christians in the Swat Valley and other parts of North West Frontier Province as they face up to the prospect of life under strict Sharia law.

Ask God to bless and protect Joseph Francis and the rest of his team at CLAAS.