That is, Sherpao is conceding that “only” sharia law will bring peace to the Swat valley — exactly what the jihadists have been fighting for. What, then, about the schools for girls (and boys), the cultural genocide, and the unhindered movement of jihadists with designs well beyond the Pakistani frontier? Are those issues to be bargaining chips in the “peace” process?
“Sherpao for enforcing Sharia Law in Swat,” from The News, February 11:
ISLAMABAD: Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao has urged the federal government to ensure the implementation of Sharia regulations in Swat for sustainable peace and development.The Pakistan People’s Party (Sherpao) cheif said that only the proposed Sharia law could restore peace in Swat. The Sharia law would pacify the militants.
Sherpao said the military operation was no more a solution to the militancy in the troubled region where a number of innocent people were suffering from the ongoing insurgency. He criticised the role of the NWFP government for its failure to maintain law and order in the region. However, he acknowledged its initiative for proposing to implement the Sharia Law in Swat.
Now the federal government needs to positively respond to these proposals. Sherpao proposed the deployment of civil administration in the region for development and confidence building of the local people, adding that a number of local people had left their houses and properties due to unrest in the areas.
He asked the government to determine the exact figure of the victims of the military operation and compensate their families. He said the people who had lost their properties should be compensated on market rates so that they could restart a normal life.