Pakistan celebrates while the judicial system in Swat crumbles

As Pakistan celebrated the restoration of deposed judges on March 17, another ominous development escaped popular attention. While the political independence of the judiciary was lauded across the country, the courts in Swat Valley of Pakistan have stopped functioning. Seven Qazis (religious leaders) appointed by Maulana Sufi Mohammad have taken over the task of rendering justice to the local population. Courts functioning under English law have no place under the recently coronated Sharia laws in the Swat Valley. The provincial government of NWFP had introduced the Sharia law in a recent peace deal with the Taliban militants. Not only the 362 members of the Swat Bar Association are faced with prospects of unemployment, the very edifice of Pakistan’s judicial paraphernalia is under threat. Sufi Mohammad proposes to establish Dar ul-Qaza or Islamic Supreme Court to appeal against the decisions of the Qazis. The great Sufi Mohammad’s ambitions have implication beyond the Swat Valley as he aspires to establish Islamic rule across the globe. Having won the political battle, Pakistan’s judiciary will now have to compete with a parallel system of religious justice. Will Pakistan ever manage to resolutely deal with its challenges?