International community extremely 'concerned' over implementation of Islamic law in Pakistan

Islamabad, Feb.18 (ANI): A visibly worried Britain has said that the implementation of 'sharia law' in the Swat Valley and in parts of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) would actually result in an increase in militancy in the region.

A statement issued by the British High Commission here said that the pact signed between the Pakistan Government and the Taliban could create more problems in the region.

"We have concerns. We need to be confident that they will end violence, not create space for further violence," The Dawn quoted the statement, as saying.

The statement asked for a comprehensive policy for the troubled tribal region to root out terrorism and establish peace.

"Swat's problems required a comprehensive approach, bringing together security measures, development and governance," it said.

NATO has also shown its concern over the deal saying that the implementation of Islamic law would provide 'safe havens' to the extremists in the region.

"The region was suffering very badly from extremism, and the alliance would not want to see that get worse," NATO spokesman James Appathurai said.

Australia has also shown its apprehensions over the issue.

Australian Foreign Minister, Stephen Smith, while warning against a similar fate of the deal to that of the accords with militants in the past, said: "Australia would not like to see an 'unfavourable outcome'."

United States special envoy to Pakistan-Afghanistan, Richard Holbrook, said extremism in Pakistan possessed a direct threat to the US.

"Extremists in Pakistan were an enemy that poses a direct threat to our leadership, our capitals and our people," Holbrooke said. (ANI)