Islambad: Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has given more teeth to the Taliban, signing a controversial bill that imposes Sharia law in Swat.
The Pakistan's Parliament has already approved the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation 2009 with a majority. The regulation was also endorsed by the Pakistan National Assembly on Sunday.
However, Muttahida Qaumi Movement, which is part of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP)-led coalition, stayed away from proceedings during the vote.
The North West Frontier Province government had drafted the regulation after entering into a deal with the Tehrik-e-Nifaz-e-Shariah Muhammadi, a pro-Taliban group in March. In return for the implementation of Sharia law in the region, the Taliban is expected to lay down arms.
A Taliban spokesman Muslim Khan welcomed the move.
"By voting in favour of the Nizam-e-Adl Regulation, the parliamentarians have proved their love for Islam. Taliban will cooperate with the Pakistani government," said Muslim Khan
The United States, the United Kingdom, as well as India have expressed concerns over the peace deal in Swat.
Observers say it would embolden the militants to demand the enforcement of Sharia in other parts of Pakistan.
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