MINGORA, March 4: The government and the Tehrik-i-Nifaz-i-Shariat-i-Mohammadi reached an understanding on Wednesday for enforcement of the Nizam-i-Adl Regulation in Malakand.

Soon after the 17-point understanding was reached, security forces started vacating the Mamdheri centre, once headquarters of the Swat Taliban.

As requested by the NWFP government, TNSM chief Maulana Sufi Mohammad and his associates and supporters are likely to shift to the centre on Thursday after security forces leave the place, paving way for establishment of an Islamic university there.

At a meeting, which lasted for seven hours at the Commissioner House in Saidu Sharif, a TNSM delegation led by its deputy chief Maulana Mohammad Alam and Malakand Commissioner Mohammad Javed agreed to take preliminary steps for the enforcement of Sharia.

Swat Taliban commander Mehmood Khan, Engineer Sher Mohammad Shah of peace jirga, TNSM spokesman Amir Izzat and Nazim-i-Ala Maulana Safiullah also attended the meeting.

The two sides agreed to: 1. crack down on drug traffickers; 2. start campaign against obscenity and vulgarity; 3. end corrupt practices; 4. close music and CD centres; 5. close shops, markets and offices during the time of prayer; 6. expel prostitutes and pimps from the region; 7. create awareness among people about the harmful effects of crimes; 8. take action against profiteers and hoarders; 9. address people’s complaints on an urgent basis; 10. set up rehabilitation centres for drug addicts; 11. impart Islamic education and start reforms in all jails in Malakand; 12. persuade ulema to forge unity and curb sectarianism; 13. take practical steps to restore public trust in police; 14. protect rights of employees and employers; 15. transfer corrupt police officials; 16. install complaint boxes in front of each administrative officer’s office; and 17. give inheritance rights to women.

The Malakand commissioner is likely to make a formal announcement about the understanding in a few days.

Mr Javed briefed the TSNM delegation on the initiatives taken by the government on the basis of the declaration announced on Feb 16 for implementation of the Nizam-i-Adl Regulation.

TNSM spokesman Amir Izzat told newsmen after the meeting that his people would cooperate in implementing all people-friendly measures in accordance with Sharia.
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