North West Frontier Province's legislative assembly is the most active house in the country. It has enacted several laws in quick succession, in areas as diverse as school uniforms, gender segregation and playing of music in passenger buses.

Most if not all the new laws have one thing in common: A subjective interpretation of Islamic Shariah. Now the assembly has admitted a Shariah Bill for discussion, which will affect education, economy, and justice and policing systems of the province.

How do you rate the performance of NWFP assembly thus far? Is it leading the country in the direction of Islamic law or merely skirting the more important issues? How will the steps taken by the assembly, affect your own life and those around you?







Yes, we want Islamic law in Pakistan. We made Pakistan in the name of Islam. Therefore I fully support Shariah Bill.
Islam Ali Shah, UK

	People who are trying to implement it should have clear understanding of Islam first.
	Mohammad Ali, Washington

People who are trying to implement it should have clear understanding of Islam first. They must show by example to everyone in the country what Islam supposes to mean and how it can bring changes in the lives of every citizen in a positive way regardless of their religion. So far, those who talk about Shariah Bill brought nothing but instability and hatred to the country. Islam is a modern religion and it should be understood and implemented as such. If this is the intention, I support it, otherwise we should wait until we completely understand the religion, its meanings, and its teachings.
Mohammad Ali, Washington

This is the sign of illiteracy in Pakistan. Our leaders are illiterate and also the major population. Yes, I want Islamic Law in Pakistan, but not this way. We have to go step by step. First come education and poverty. Please solve these problems first, then we will talk about how women are being used in ads by these commercial companies and violating the rights of women.
Junaid Ahmed, Brampton

No, it is sad to see that some write, living under the umbrella of "freedom of speech", in favour of Shariah Bill. I think most of the people have forgotten the misery the Shariah bill caused in Afghanistan. These mullahs will take the right to express your point of view, so forget about rational debate. Pakistan is a new Afghanistan in the making, more poor and religiously fanatic.
Nasir Chaudhry, Lahore

Which Shariah? Sunni Shariah,Wahabi Shariah,Deobandi Shariah,Brailwi Shariah? Which one? I think nobody knows what does Shariah mean. Please ask Ahmadi Muslims what Shariah is.
Saquib, Frankfurt

This is not a Shariah Bill; this is Government Bill like that one brought by Zia ul Haq.
Kahlid, Pakistan

Yes, this is very, very good. May Allah help us!
Aamir, Lahore

Yes, I highly appreciate the Shariah bill. Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam. So, there should be wholly Muslim laws in practice. The decision of NWFP government to practice Islamic values though Shariah bill is a true voice of every true Muslim citizen of Pakistan.
Muhammad Favsal, Karachi

Yes, because Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam and Islam is the only solution for the problems of the Ummah and the world.
Riaz, Pakistan

Yes, I do support very strongly this move. But MMA must divert their attention towards elimination of poverty from their province, where they are running their government. They must provide jobs to the jobless people, they must provide justice to the people. It is also very important. Islam insists very strongly to provide food, jobs, etc to the needy people.
Shahid, Faislabad

No, I will never support the Shariah Bill. It will push Pakistan towards poverty and unrest amongst the civilians. Islam does not teach extremism and fundamentalism. We need a moderate government, not these culprits. For Allah's sake, get rid of these Mullahs!
Omar, Illinois

In my view, I think nobody should make any speculation about the Shariah system in NWFP. Let it be implemented and flourish and then comment on the things that would occur by this system. MMA got the mandate by the people of the province and they better understand what its manifesto is. I don’t like them much, but i wish every government to complete its term. Only then we can better know them.
Muhammad Majeed, Rawalpindi

I think the question is not whether to implement Shariah or not as we, being Muslims, believe that Islam is a complete code of life but the issue is how to implement these laws. I would like to suggest the rulers in NWFP to go about with the Shariah implementation systematically because this change can't be brought all of a sudden. It would definitely take some time but gradually we would be able to adopt the Islamic laws in whole. I would also like to request my Muslim brothers, who are opposing the Shariah implementation, that please study Islam in depth and you will find that Islam is really a complete code of life.
Waseem Khaliqdad, Islamabad

I will be very glad if it is sincere attempt. Let us see what they do. Because, they won majority of seats in the name of God. We have tried many politicians and parties claiming to work hard for betterment for the people and to enforce Islam but only slogan.
Mohammad Anwar Afridi, FATA

All these steps are misleading. True that Taliban established a rule of law and drug free society, which is highly commendable, but the negative side goes to the lack of efforts needed for better living standard to people. The government there should adopt the Shariah or Islamic Law with an understanding. My personal opinion is that the people who say that these are 1400 years old laws and cannot be implemented are misleading and misinformed.
Zaheer Khan, India

Let first the Mullahs become Muslim. They have never accept the Hadith that Ulema of this age will be the worst creation on earth.
S Ali Khan, Virginia

How a Muslim can be against Shariah bill? One can differ with some interpretation, but Shariah must be constitution of a Muslim country.
Dr Yousaf Dar, Gujrat

Yes, I highly apriciate this step. Pakistan became a nation on the basis of Islam and Islam teaches the simplicity. .It must prevail not only in one province but in all over the country.
Muhammad Sharif, Canada

I endorse implementation of shariah as if it is implemented in the true spirit. It will guarantee our future to be the best here and hereafter.
Hasan, Zaidi, Karachi

	I think it's the most useless thing to involve relegion into state.This is one of the primary reasons that Pakistan could not progress.
	Shehzad, Detroit

I think it's the most useless thing to involve relegion into state.This is one of the primary reasons that Pakistan could not progress where everybody wants to implement Islam but dont want to follow it. If brought into law this will only push pakistan 50 years back into history. So, please leave Islam alone. It has suffered enough already.
Shehzad, Detroit, USA

Why you are so touchy with NWFP government? Let them try to implement something. They got a first chace to have a tiny government that is facing a lot problem like conflict with federal goverenment, financial constrants and propaganda of westren media. Let them allow some time period. Then, you can compare their development and progress.
Abdullah, UK

Pakistan is passing through a very crucial stage.The level of poverty is risisng very fast. As the time passes the people are becomming poor and poor. Nobody is thinking about the nation but every one is trying to implement their own wish. The people of Pakistan and especially NWFP are among the poorest in the world but there is no step for the welfare and economic development of the people but all the present steps are going to make people slaves.The nation is given false slogans. They were made slaves in the name of religion. NO serious step was taken to solve the economic problems. Majority of the people are illiterate in NWFP and they are living poorest life. They even dont' know the meaning of Islam. They know only poverty and the lowest standard of life. Is there any party or person who can slove the economic problems?The name of Islam is being used for centuries to exploit the nation.
Nadeem, Karachi

Every person and every nation must have privilege to follow its religion individually or socially. The Shariah bill which will be passed by NWFP assembly in next few days, is the right of the public of the state and no body should indulge in their social and religious aspect.
Zahid Waqar, Toronto

Certainly, I support sharaih i.e. the rule of Quran and Sunnah. It should be carefully implemented in such a way that it becomes bright path for others to follow. No doubt it is the only solution to completely follow the Islamic laws.
Zeeshan, Mobile, USA

No body should have objections on this Shariah bill because it is now an elected assembly in NWFP; all MPA's should have an opportunity to pass a bill on their own. Also, the Shariah is the solution of the poverty and lawleness in Pakistan. We have tried almost all the 'isms' in Pakistan; we should test and examine Islam as a ruler,. We will find it the best ism than all are.
Farhan ali, Hyderabad

Shariah bil is a very positive approach to fight against corruption, poverty, lawleness and other means of unfair acts. This step should be taken by the National assembly first; any way NWFP's assembly step must be highly appreciated.
Waqas Kamali, Larkana

These people imagine living in a world that in fact existed 1500 years ago, in the present Saudi Arabia. The Shariah bill is a retrograde movement in history and will lead to further deepening of social and economic crises of not only NWFP but also Pakistan. Pakistan needs a progressive and forward looking governance, not these bills intended to put us back in time.
Azhar Iqbal, Pakistan

Hi There! How are you? You know that God has said in Koran: "You shall not raise your voice higher like a donkey... And still every day and night you violate this law. Now better Shariah is enforced around the world; then you will be given what you need for your deeds..." Now in these quotes you found the mentality and mind of all Muslims...And still BBC wants to air such theological issues just to make those mullahs feel great. Now what would I say when you will never publish my anti-Muslim letters?
Mohammad Fida, Toronto

Being a Muslim, yes I support Shariah not ony in Pakistan but in all Islamic countries because I believe in the day of judgment and I think every Muslim must support Shariah.
Sunny, London

No, because Mullahism will destroy whole Pakistan.
Khalid Mahmood, Duisburg, Germany

Well, what I think is is: This is the start of complete destruction of Pakistan. I mean in which age we are living? 1400 years old laws are still implementable? Are we living in tribal or in stone ages? I am sorry to say this just to polish their own politics. If shariah lLaws would be misused, then?
Ahmad, Karachi

	Yes, I fully support and strongly urge the people of Pakistan to encourage this Jamaat (MMA) on all fronts.
	Zeeshan Jalil, New Jersey

Yes, I fully support and strongly urge the people of Pakistan to encourage this Jamaat (MMA) on all fronts. This is the only religious coalition acting precisely according to the Islamic ways. It is the only way of our success. People who call this Jamaat an "extremist Jamaat" are lacking Islamic knowledge.
Zeeshan Jalil, New Jersey

I think Islam should be the guiding principle of government actions in Pakistan and NWFP (for provincial matters ordained in the constitution). But, my biggest problem is that Islam permits many expressions of the practice of faith. Its interpretation is not the work of legislature, but the religious scholars of all sects through a consensual process. Therefore, whatever is happening in NWFP does not represent the consent of all religious scholars of all sects.
Moazzam Khoja, USA

Yes, Pakistan should be a true picture of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. I fully support Shariah Bill.
Mohammad Siddiq Khan Achakzai, Chaman

There is no need of such bills as I think Pukhtoons are the best followers of Islam in the world. This will only add to the power of Mullah and people will suffer. And like Iran they will throw away the system after a couple of years. I am sure there is no opposition of any Islamic move in that society right now. It is a fact that whereever mullahs got power, they destryoed the whole fabric of society.
Shaukat, Toronto

Yes, I fully support it. The problem is that the so-called "liberals" or "secularists" who have vested interests would be hurt by the implementation of these Shariah laws would be very vocal in negatively publicising it. The evils accumulated in 50 years cannot be rooted out within 50 days. Give them time, and support and you would see the fruits, Insha'allah. One has to have solid believe on Allah, that adopting His rules would lead to ulimate success and prosperity. There is no harm in removing the vulgar signboard as the starting point.
Tanvir Hussain, Dubai

Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam. This country should adopt Islamic culture and Islamic way of life. It is a very good step and should be adopted by central government also. Islam doesn't teache us nudeism. Moreever people of Pakistan do not like western culture, which tells us nudeism. Unfortunately our governments never looked at what people are saying. Pervez Musharraf should open his eyes.
Shahid Mehboob Sabri, Kahuta

It is an important step towards Islamisation of the society. We are Muslims and want Islam as our way of life. All the people voted for MMA because they wanted the implementation of Shariah. the people of NWFP rejected the people who wanted British law.
Muhammad Ashraf, Buner

Yes, it is true that Islam is the only way to success. But it cannot be implemented by removing the pictures and discrimination. It can be implemented only and only by following Islam's basics law of human rights, social balance, equality, equal opportunity of basic necessities and peace.
N Chaudhry, Germany

I think every normal reasonable person must dislike this kind of extremism in every part of the world. This is really a new version of the Taleban style; no one wants to go back in stone age.
Jamshed, Sweden

I think it's an excellent step because Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam and Islam is the only solution for the problems of the Umma.
Faheem Khan, Peshawar

I think every reasonable person must discourage this kind of extremism in every part of the world. This is really a new version of the Taleban style and will consequently drag the region towards more terrorism. This kind of stupid efforts must always be discouraged.
Munir Akhtar, Munich, Germany

Quran and and Sunnah must be supreme in Pakistan.
Muhammad Saleem, London, UK

These religious parties got their votes in the name of Islam and they need to show the people that they are doing something, because really most of the rules implemented so far have already been practised by the people in that province for centuries. All the measures they have taken so far are not concrete steps and the people don't benefit from these. If they really want to do something for the betterment of society, they need to address the basic problems like education, unemployment, health, poverty lawleness and so on. The recent act of removing posters showing women was completely unnecessory and will adversly affect the provincail government's image in the outside world. They will have to prove that they are not Taliban.
Dr Zahoor, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Yes, Pakista should be a true picture of the 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan.'
Mansoor Chaudry, Gujranwala

I think it's an excellent step and Islamic law should be allowed in the whole country not in only one the NWFP. It will make our life much easy. People who don't want islamic law in Pakistan are stupid and traitor and are not honest with Pakistan and Allah. May Allah help all of us And show the right path.
Aisha, USA

Yes, I think that Islamic code of life is the need of the time in Pakistan.
M A Khan, Gujrat

Yes, I fully support Shariah Bill. As I belong to young student generation and I think most of young generation will support the Bill.
Faisal, Islamabad

	It is leading the country in the direction of poverty, destruction as before these people did in Afghanistan.
	Naseer, Islamabad

It is leading the country in the direction of poverty, destruction as before these people did in Afghanistan. These parties' leaders' children are studying in Europe and America and what are they providing for us? It's the army which brought them in power and now it's their duty to throw them out of the country, and then possibly out of this world.
Naseer, Islamabad

I think it's the true face of these Islamic religious extreminism we already have in place but the difference is this time is that it's more publicised and brutally enforced on the poors, but rich will like always be free of it and they can do whatever they want. I think it's just a lame try to show people that religious parties will do every thing as they said but at the same time they are turning their backs on real issues such as how to get rid of poverty and other social programmes. It's just a newer version of Talibanisation in this province but they are lying about not calling it that I think from inside they are still scared from history of Taliban and the consequences they got. But it's the same narrow minded things they are doing again.
Ummair Shah, Peshawar

Yes, I fully support Shariah Bill. It is for the first time that any provincial assembly is going to do a right thing.
Amer, Cambrdige, Canada

First, the shariah must be defined. All the Muslim rulers have defined shariah in their own way. So many shariah laws contradict Quran.
Husain, USA

Yes, because Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam and Islam is the only solution for the problems of the Umma. We have seen that democratic systems others have given us are nothing. Just islam can put us in to progress. Or country will progress if there is Islamic law and government and we will progress too.
Muhammad Shahbaz Bawja, Sialkot