Islamic scholars’ input allowed

Pakistan’s government has agreed to let judges consider advice from Islamic scholars in parts of the volatile northwestern tribal regions, officials said.

The decision marked a concession in peace talks aimed at ending conflict with Islamic militants along the frontier with Afghanistan.

Provincial officials negotiated with representatives of militant leader Maulana Qazi Faz- lullah. The two groups agreed to regulations allowing Islamic law to play a role in the Malakand and Swat areas.

“We are not introducing any new law,” said Afrasiab Khattak, a senior official of the Awami National Party. “These will be the same courts like anywhere in Pakistan, headed by normal civil and district judges.”