Thu, Aug 04, 2005 - Page 4 News List

Islamic law sparks outcry

PAKISTAN A bill passed to enforce an Islamic way of life has prompted critics to warn of `Talibanization' and the government to seek a ruling on its constitutionality

NY TIMES NEWS SERVICE , PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

"These are broad, vague, generalized powers to the ombudsmen to virtually regulate every sphere of human activity," Khan said.

The state's top politician, Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani, has brushed off detractors, saying that the mohtasib would only recommend, not enforce, proper Islamic behavior. Besides, he said on a recent night, as though it would reassure, most of the hisba police force would be drawn from the ranks of existing police.

"Our idea is to give people access to justice," Durrani said.

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