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
Violence in Pakistan: Trend Analysis February 2009
Highlight of the month was the peace deal signed by the NWFP government with the founder of Tehrik Nifaz Shariat-e- Mohammadi (TNSM), Sufi Mohammad. The deal did bring some ‘peace’ to the restive region but virtually handed over half the territory of NWFP to the
Taliban by accepting Shariat laws for Malkand Division and Kohistan district of Hazara Division. As a result, the number of terror related incidents in Pakistan decreased from 430 in January to 374 in February 2009.