'Zardari not to sign pact with Swat militants unless peace is restored'

Islamabad, Feb 17 (ANI): Pakistani Information Minister Sherry Rehman has said that an agreement between a provincial government and an Islamic group to set up Islamic courts has not been signed by President Asif Ali Zardari yet.

Dawn News TV quoted Sherry Rehman as saying that President Zardari would not sign the agreement unless the peace was restored in the district.

"The government will monitor the situation, as security and well-being of Swat is top priority," Rehman said in a statement following an agreement between the NWFP government and the TNSM

However, she said, "The will of the population of the Swat... should be taken into account while debating the merits of this agreement."

North West Frontier Province Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti announced on Monday thaty Nizam e Adl Regulation 2009 for Malakand Division would be implemented as soon as peace was restored in Swat district.

According to the Regulation, Islamic courts would be set up in Malakand shortly, the Daily Times reported.

The regulation came into being as a result of a meeting between the provincial government and an Islamic group Tehreek-e-Nifaz e Shariat e Muhammadi (TNSM).

Hoti claimed at a news conference that the Regulation had been approved by President Asif Ali Zardari following the consultation with TNSM representatives. (ANI)