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'Islamic laws' to govern Pakistani province

"We cannot allow VCRs and tape recorders in passenger vehicles in our province," Akram Durrani of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal said after he was elected chief minister of the province on Friday.

"Pubs and gambling dens will also be closed soon," the 42-year-old Durrani told the assembly amid assertions by the opposition that there were no such outlets in Pakistan.

Durrani, who had threatened to stop the American and Pakistani crackdown on the Taliban and Al Qaeda leaders reportedly hiding in the border areas, also said that drivers should stop their buses at mosques during prayer times if passengers made specific requests.

He said it would be a legal offence if any driver turned down such a request.

The chief minister also promised to set up separate mosques for women near bus stands.

Replying to felicitations on his victory in the election for chief ministership, Durrani said, "The enforcement of Islamic system was in the MMA manifesto. We will endeavour for the enforcement of Islamic system in the country and province and take guidance from the central MMA leadership and strictly follow that."

He said poverty and unemployment were the most pressing areas where they will seek the federal government's assistance.

The MMA was also poised to share power in the neighbouring Baluchistan province with Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali's party, the Pakistan Muslim League (Quaid-e-Azam).

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