PESHAWAR, April 18: The NWFP government has approved setting up of two new circuit benches of the Peshawar High Court in Bannu and Malakand districts.

NWFP Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Malik Zafar Azam said at a press conference here on Wednesday that a thorough investigation was under way to look into the issue of Talibanisation of society steered by some religious elements in some parts of the province.

He said the investigation was being carried out with the assistance of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Fazl) workers.

He said the much publicised campaign of Talibanisation had the backing of powerful elements which were trying to tarnish the image of Islam. He termed it a conspiracy against the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal and its leadership.

The minister said those threatening shopkeepers of various trades would be dealt with strictly. Mr Azam said the government had decided to establish the two circuit benches to lessen the burden on the courts in Peshawar and Dera Ismail Khan and facilitate the people of the adjoining districts.

The new benches would require the appointment of four judges for which a summary had been sent to the federal government, he said.

The NWFP government would provide buildings, staff and transport for the benches, he said.

In reply to a question about the Hasba Bill, he said the matter was sub judice.

About his resignation as the provincial law minister, Mr Azam said he would follow his party’s discipline.

About renaming of the NWFP, the minister said five names were under consideration and the parliamentary committee concerned would forward its recommendation to the chief minister.