The Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009, which envisages implementation of Shariat law in parts of the country, was signed by President Zardari in Islamabad on April 13. This was soon after the National Assembly adopted a resolution to endorse the same.6 The Whitehouse spokesperson Robert Gibbs, reacting to the development, noted that this was against the spirit of human rights and democracy.7

Prime Minister Gilani meanwhile met with Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab province, and invited the PML-N to join the government.8 The offer was however turned down by PML-N chief Nawaz Sharif on April 16.

The spate of violent incidents continued across the country with at least 17 people getting killed in Charsadda on April 15. 27 security men were also killed and 55 injured in Hangu as a result of another suicide bomb attack on April 18.

In other developments, a donors’ conference held in Tokyo pledged aid worth $5 billion spread over a period of two years to Pakistan. President Zardari on his part promised to fight militancy more effectively. The conference was attended by representatives of 31 nations and 18 international organizations, each of whom expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country.9