The President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali Zardari had referred the controversial ‘Peace Deal’ to the Parliament of the country through his powerless Prime Minister. The tactic was initially thought to have been a political delay in signing the deal. However, the Parliament unanimously adopted the deal put forth by the country’s Prime Minister. It was later signed by the President before he left for a private two-day visit to Dubai.

The ‘Peace Deal’ was earlier signed between the provincial government and the notorious Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) swat chapter led by the cleric Maulana Fazl-ullah. The deal had brought a loud international outcry and sharp criticisms. In the international community it was understood as an effective surrender to the Taliban rule. Most called it the provision of a ‘Safe Heaven’ for Taliban and its Terrorist allies to legally use Pakistani soils to launch attacks in the region and as far as the United States. The Federal Pakistani government, led by the widower of deceased Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto and her Party Pakistan Peoples Party, was under mounting pressure to remain at bay from signing such a deal that allows such a group to openly operate inside Pakistani soil. However, after a couple of months of delay and extra-pressure from the provincial government, it was referred to the National Assembly of the Nation and the ‘Deal’ cleared its way after a short debate over its implications as according to the law makers it was more important to bring a durable peace in the restive Swat Valley, which is known as Asia’s Switzerland for it magnificent natural beauty and tourism attraction.

The deal carries at least two implications. First, it is hoped that peace will return to the valley and the local residents may start up doing their business in calm after two years of unrest. The valley will once again enjoy peace and attract tourists. Secondly, with the implementation of the deal in its true spirit, movement will be restricted since it will be a Taliban model Islamic law which will not allow the sale of liquor, the free movement of women, ban on western dress, growing beard for men and wearing of burqa by women etc.

In such a scenario, it’s high time for the government to go with the disarmament process first and foremost. This is also in doubt as it will determine government’s will and writ in this affair. Secondly, the government will have to make sure that like the rest of Pakistan, it will be an area where the constitution of Pakistan is promulgated and not a constitution made and announced by Taliban over radio. Pakistani government further bears the responsibility for sorting out all types of judiciary affairs. The culprits of any crime should be brought to justice by the government agencies and institutions and not by Taliban to flog certain man or woman. The challenges have now started to come up on the government to make sure everything goes as it wills and not as Taliban will.

With the passing of the bill there were great outcries of celebrations amongst the Pro-Taliban religious political parties and the provincial government as well as the opposition parties. However, for the PPP government it was another hard morsel to be digested in the wake of huge international pressure. Now, the eyes are fixed on what this deal will bring? Will we witness real peace as claimed by the stakeholders of the deal? Or will we see another military operation in the valley? Time shall remain a deciding factor in all