ISLAMABAD, Feb 16: Information Minister Sherry Rehman said on Monday that President Asif Ali Zardari would approve the Nizam-i-Adl Regulation in Malakand only after restoration of peace in the region.

She said that troops would remain in the troubled valley and the regulation would be approved by the president after Tehrik Nifaz-i-Shariat Muhammadi (TNSM) abided by the peace agreement.

According to a press release, she said the proposed regulation would provide speedy justice to the common man. “This will also meet people’s demand for the establishment of an appellate forum in their own area,” she said.

Ms Rehman warned the deal should not be seen as a ‘concession’ to militants. “It is in no way a sign of the state’s weakness.”

She said: “The will of the population of the Swat region is at the centre of all efforts and it should be taken into account while debating merits of this agreement.”

ISPR Director-General Lt-Gen Athar Abbas said that troops would not be withdrawn from Swat and other troubles areas of the Malakand division after the peace deal and they would remain in their existing positions.

He said that military forces had no objection to the agreement reached with the TNSM. “There will be no reaction from the army if there is no action from the militants.”