Shariah Law in Pakistan

Shariah law officially went into effect in the Swat region of Pakistan this week. The Taliban-controlled area is enforcing the strict Islamic law, which is expected to result in egregious human rights violations, especially for women and religious minorities. “The violent, Taliban-associated extremists based in NWFP’s Swat Valley consistently demonstrate their disregard for fundamental human rights, and use public beheadings and beatings as a means of enforcing their control,” said Felice D. Gaer, USCIRF chair, in a statement.