Pakistani government officials announced Monday that they have reached an agreement with the Taliban to allow strict Islamic law, or sharia, to be implemented in parts of North West Frontier Province. It marks a major concession by the Pakistani government in its attempt to hold off Taliban militants who have made significant advances inside the country. The government will recognize sharia for the entire Malakand Division, which includes the Swat district, the chief minister of North West Frontier Province Amir Haider Hoti announced Monday in a news conference.
