Pakistan Cleric Demands Islamic Courts / Cleric Demands Pakistan Launch Islamic Courts Soon

Pakistan Cleric Demands Islamic Courts / Cleric Demands Pakistan Launch Islamic Courts Soon

(News Source Info) MINGORA, Pakistan - March 2, 2009: A hard-line cleric sent by Pakistan to talk to the Taliban is demanding the government establish Islamic courts in the troubled Swat Valley by mid-March or risk a wave of protests. The demand Sunday by Sufi Muhammad threatens to undermine a shaky peace process already facing international criticism. Pakistan has promised to impose Islamic law in Swat and surrounding areas. The military and the Taliban militants who control much of the valley have agreed to a cease-fire. But Muhammad says he has yet to see the government take "practical steps" to establish Islamic courts. He gave March 15 as a deadline for the courts to launch. Western countries worry the peace process could make Swat a haven for militants.