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Pakistan Coalition Wants U.S. Out
Tuesday, October 15, 2002
By Ralph Joseph
Washington Times Writer

"Our first priority is to implement Islamic laws in the country, and we will not compromise in this issue. Now it is the responsibility of the state to protect Islam and do away with secular norms," MMA Chairman Shah Ahmed Noorani said. Such remarks are unnerving Pakistan's secular intelligentsia. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a former senior official said, "In my opinion, the [North West Frontier Province] is in for a government which is going to be pretty close to the Taliban."

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan -- WT
An alliance of hard-line Islamic parties called yesterday for the removal of U.S. forces from the country, prompting fears that major electoral gains by the coalition would hurt cooperation in the search for al Qaeda and Taliban stragglers along the Afghan border.

Leaders of the Mutahidda-e-Amal, or MMA Islamic coalition, also said they would insist on the introduction of strict Islamic law, sending shudders through a secular elite whose members are already warning that "Taliban-like" governments may emerge in two provinces bordering Afghanistan.

The alliance of six clerical parties captured large pluralities in the provincial assemblies of North West Frontier Province and Baluchistan while racking up strong gains nationally in parliamentary elections last week.

The clerics fell short of outright majorities in the two provinces where the search for al Qaeda is concentrated but captured enough seats to enable them to form governments in both.

They could also end up with control of the federal Senate, in which seats are allocated on a geographic basis. That would give them a powerful voice in foreign affairs and defense.
(More: The Washington Times News Source)
2002 © News World Communications, Inc.

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