Peshawar:  Pakistan's government agreed to let judges consider Islamic religious guidance in court cases in parts of the volatile northwest, officials said today. The decision marks a concession in peace talks with militants.

Also today, suspected militants attacked a military post in a tribal region of the northwest, killing one soldier. The army, meanwhile, said troops would reopen roads to allow movement of civilians displaced by its operations in another tribal area. Parts of Pakistan's northwest are havens for al-Qaida and Taliban-linked militants determined to drive US and other foreign forces out of neighbouring Afghanistan.

Under the direction of US-backed President Pervez Musharraf, Pakistan's previous government relied heavily on military operations against the extremists. But the new government, led by anti-Musharraf parties elected in February, has opted to also pursue peace negotiations to end the militancy. The North West Frontier Province's government, led by a Pashtun nationalist party, has joined the effort.

The latest breakthrough appeared to come today, when provincial officials and representatives of a top militant leader, Maulana Fazlullah, said they had agreed to enforce previously drafted regulation regarding Islamic law in the Malakand and Swat regions.

Source : PTI