Author: Staff Writer

Source: BBC News

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7996560.stm

Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has signed a controversial bill introducing Islamic Sharia law to the Swat region, say reports.

The move comes after parliament passed a resolution urging Mr Zardari to honour a promise made to the Taleban.

The implementation of Islamic justice was agreed in February in return for an end to the Taleban insurgency.

Mr Zardari had previously resisted signing the deal, which has been criticised by his Western allies.

There are concerns it could lead to human rights abuses and provide help to militants in the region.

But Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani said parliament had committed itself to implementing the Sharia system.