PESHAWAR, July 2: The NWFP Assembly on Friday adopted the Bank of Khyber (Amendment) Bill, 2004, introducing the Islamic banking system in the province.

Opposition parties, which opposed the bill and staged a walkout, helped the treasury benches to go ahead with their unilateral agenda.

NWFP Finance Minister Sirajul Haq, who presented the bill in the house, called for the Bill's unanimous adoption without any calls for amendments. He said that the introduction of interest-free economy was not just part of the government's economic strategy but it was part of its faith, adding that it was an opportunity bestowed upon the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal's government to introduce Islamic way of life in the province.

He said interest-free banking was part of the Islamic economic system, which was n alternative to interest-based western capitalistic economy. Bashir Ahmed Bilour of the Awami National Party, who proposed some changes into the Bill's draft, opposed the formation of the Shariah Supervisory Committee, a body parallel to the Bank of Khyber's board of directors.

The supervisory committee, comprising only clerics, was not the solution to the issue, he added. Abdul Akbar Khan of the People's Party Parliamentarian sought a proper definition about 'eminent ulema and scholars' and urged the government to identify as to who would introduce Islamic banking system.

Anwar Kamal Khan of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz group) said that the party supported the introduction of interest-free banking system but the government should explain as to why it seemed to be in a hurry to get it passed on the day of its introduction in the assembly.

He asked the chair to take up the matter on Monday and give legislators some time to discuss several clauses of the Bill with the finance minister. "We have always extended support to the MMA on Islamic issues. We have unanimously supported the Shariat Bill, but now we want some explanations on the working of the supervisory body and its sub-committees. It should not be an employment-oriented body, but it should act like a watchdog," he added.

Opposition Leader Shahzada Gushtasip said that being Muslims, they believed in the enforcement of Islamic Shariat in every walk of life but they would not allow anyone to exploit religion for personal or factional gains.

He said he was unconvinced about what was meant by 'eminent ulema and scholars' in the Bill and sought the government's explanation regarding the criterion for establishing the credentials of scholars. "Technical disciplines like economics or banking sector need experts not ulema to guide a system", he said.

When Speaker Bakht Jahan Khan called for voting on the Bill, all opposition groups staged a walkout. The chair announced that the Bill had been adopted without any amendments.

Later, some of the opposition lawmakers also congratulated the finance minister on the passing of the Bill. The House also adopted seven other resolutions unanimously.

These resolutions were tabled by Dr Zakirullah, Zubaida Khatoon, Shagufta Naz, Naeema Kishwar, Rifaat Jabeen, Khalid Waqar Chamkani, Syed Nadir Shah, Shahzada Gushtsip, Syed Mazhar Ali Qasim, Jamshed Khan and Mohammad Mujahid Al Hussaini.

These resolutions sought the withdrawal of increase in Haj fare, removal of anti-worker clauses of the IRO 2002, withdrawal of toll tax on the Abbottabad-Mansehra sector, electrification of villages in Battagaram district, completion of the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway project and exemption of mosques from electricity charges, respectively.

Another resolution, which was also adopted unanimously and was supported by the opposition benches, asked the centre to end economic sanctions against tribesmen in the South Waziristan area besides calling for ending the operation against them. The resolution was moved by Nadir Shah.

Mureed Kazim and others walked out when the chair rejected his resolution on establishment of regional offices of the public services commission by a majority vote. The speaker later adjourned the House till Monday.