Pakistani authorities open probe into alleged Islamic court
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 7 April 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Pakistani authorities open probe into alleged Islamic court, 7 April 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5768fff315.html [accessed 22 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
April 07, 2016
Authorities in Pakistan have opened a probe into reports that a charity run by the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba has set up an Islamic court in the eastern city of Lahore.
A spokesman for Punjab Province confirmed on April 7 that an investigation had been launched into the allegations.
A spokesman for the charity known as Jamaat-ud-Dawa denied the court was a parallel judicial system, saying it worked as an arbitration service between rival parties to settle disputes.
He said religious scholars, guided by Islamic Shari'a law, make the decisions.
Legal experts say such a Taliban-style system is illegal and unconstitutional.
The practice of Shari'a law as advocated by the Taliban is rare in Pakistan's heartland, but arbitration services of the kind described by Jamaat-ud-Dawa are common.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
