Pakistan: Taliban's Sharia Law Now Official in Swat?

Last month I had a post on the Taliban imposing a parallel legal system in Swat of harsh Islamic law, in opposition to the local police, regional government and national military. Now it looks like the Islamic law will be official, as AP is reporting that the Pakistani government has made a "Peace deal" with the Taliban that is conditioned by the Taliban on imposition of Islamic law (Sharia) in Swat.

Provincial government leaders confirmed they were talking to a pro-Taliban group about ways to impose Islamic judicial practices in the Malakand division, which includes Swat.

The Swat Taliban's version of Islamic law is especially harsh. They have declared a ban on female education, forced women to stay mostly indoors and clamped down on many forms of entertainment.

Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan said the militants would adhere to any deal reached with the group if Islamic law is implemented in the region.
He also announced the 10-day cease-fire.

"We reserve the right to retaliate if we are fired upon," he said. "Once Islamic law is imposed, there will be no problems in Swat. The Taliban will lay down their arms."

Hat Tip Islam in Action