Pakistan court to hear controversial “Taleban” bill

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle.asp?xfile=data/subcontinent/2005/July/subcontinent_July1101.xml§ion=subcontinent

ISLAMABAD - A move by hardline Islamists to introduce what critics say amounts to a Taleban-style justice system in Pakistan’s North West Frontier Province will come under the scrutiny of the country’s Supreme Court on Monday. snip

Musharraf is trying to lead his mostly-Muslim nation down a path of “enlightened moderation”, but critics say he has allowed the mullahs who lead Islamist parties to build power bases in Pakistan’s mainstream politics. snip

The Islamists swept to power in NWFP in 2002, profiting from anti-American sentiment fuelled by the U.S.-led war in neighbouring Afghanistan.

They have taken several steps that echoed the Taleban’s rule -- banning music on public transport, stopping male doctors from examining women, men from coaching women athletes and male journalists from covering women’s sports.

The Islamists deny they will use force to make people follow Islamic practices, but instead would use persuasion.