The hardline Islamist alliance government in Pakistan's volatile Northwest Frontier Province has decided to bring the state under Shariah [revealed and the canonical laws of the religion of Islam].
The NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, heading the six-party fundamentalist Muthahida Majlis-e-Amal government, said he has approved the recommendations of Nifaze-e-Shariat Council to bring a new Shariat Act to implement Islamic laws in the province.
In a statement issued on Friday, Durrani said he wanted the Shariat bill to be approved by the NWFP Assembly to establish an accountability institution, appoint Muhtasib at provincial and district levels to take suo motu action besides ensuring cheap justice.
The MMA is also a partner in the coalition government in neighbouring Baluchistan.
After taking over power, Durrani's government has already banned music, films and liquor.
He said the formation of reconciliation committees comprising the Ulema, elites and lawyers would help in improving law and order situation and reduce the burden on judiciary.
The chief minister announced complete ban on obscene photos and cassettes. He said possession of such material would be considered a cognisable offence.
After the passage of Shariat bill, it would be the supreme law in all institutions coming under its jurisdiction, Durran said adding all directives would be based on the injunctions of Islamic laws.