SWAT, Oct 9: Local cleric Maulana Fazlullah announced here on Tuesday the formation of a volunteer force to “control the law & order” and traffic problems in Matta tehsil.

He said that a shariat court had already been set up in his native Imam Dehri village.

Speaking to his supporters, Maulana Fazlullah claimed that the chronic traffic problem in the tehsil had been resolved in one day.

He termed drama the recent jirga convened by the administration. Even at that meeting the elders had demanded that the shariat laws should be enforced in the Swat district, he added.

The volunteer force, to be called Shaheen Commandos, started patrolling on Tuesday and passed through different roads in Matta and Kabal areas. Fifteen vehicles mounted with machineguns led the force.

Eyewitnesses said that the volunteers were making announcements advising the people to lodge complaints on two cell-phone numbers displayed at different mosques.

Opinion

Editorial

Business concerns
Updated 26 Apr, 2024

Business concerns

There is no doubt that these issues are impeding a positive business clime, which is required to boost private investment and economic growth.
Musical chairs
26 Apr, 2024

Musical chairs

THE petitioners are quite helpless. Yet again, they are being expected to wait while the bench supposed to hear...
Global arms race
26 Apr, 2024

Global arms race

THE figure is staggering. According to the annual report of Sweden-based think tank Stockholm International Peace...
Digital growth
Updated 25 Apr, 2024

Digital growth

Democratising digital development will catalyse a rapid, if not immediate, improvement in human development indicators for the underserved segments of the Pakistani citizenry.
Nikah rights
25 Apr, 2024

Nikah rights

THE Supreme Court recently delivered a judgement championing the rights of women within a marriage. The ruling...
Campus crackdowns
25 Apr, 2024

Campus crackdowns

WHILE most Western governments have either been gladly facilitating Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza, or meekly...