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Khalilur Rehman, Governor of North West Frontier Province |
The legislature of Pakistan's North West Frontier Province (NWFP) has passed a bill that has been described by critics as the "Talibanization" of Pakistan. The law sets up a watchdog with the power to reform the society in accordance to "Islamic values," which includes ensuring that such values are observed in public places. The legislation is strongly opposed by the federal government, which has filed an appeal in the Supreme Court's Karachi bench. The federally appointed governor of NWFP, Khalilur Rehman, has vowed to take every take every constitutional step available to prevent the law from being implemented.
NWFP borders on Afghanistan and is known for its support for the strict Islamic policies of the Taliban, many of whom were trained in Islamic schools in northwest Pakistan. Pakistan's Islamic schools have again come under close scrutiny after the London bombings. British Defense Secretary John Reid described Pakistan's madrassas (Islamic schools) as "a major source of international instability and contribute largely toward the growth of terrorist activity."
A special supplement to the Persecution and Prayer Alert is scheduled to be sent out this week asking the question, "Is the War of Terrorism Really Winnable?" by VOMC's Communications Director, Glenn Penner (click here). We encourage you to carefully evaluate this question in the light of Glenn's commentary.
Pray that this law will be overturned and that strict Islamic law will not be instituted in any area of Pakistan. Pray for wisdom for Christians in Pakistan who must face those endeavoring to institute such laws.
For more information on Pakistan and the difficulties facing Christians there, click here.
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