KABUL, May 3: Shariat is the “only source” of legislation in Afghanistan, deputy chief justice Fazel Ahmad Manawi has declared.

“The only source of legislation in Afghanistan is Islamic Shariat law,” Manawi said late Friday, outlining the major recommendations made by a council of 75 religious leaders from across the country.

The three-day council, or shura, organized by the Supreme Court, ended on Wednesday.

A commission is currently scrutinizing a new draft constitution finalized last month. Commissioners are also conducting a public education and consultation campaign to gather views on the new constitution, which will replace the current 1964 one.

Several Western countries have expressed unease at the prospect of a constitution and legal system based on Islamic law.

“Islam guarantees women’s right to education and participation in political life, but they should dress in an Islamic manner and observe Hijab,” the Shura decided, according to Manawi.—AFP