ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (CNN) -- Pakistani government officials announced Monday an agreement with the Taliban to allow strict Islamic law, or sharia, to be implemented in parts of North West Frontier Province. Delegation members of pro-Taliban leader Soofi Mohammad at a meeting in Peshawar Monday. It marks a major concession by the Pakistani government in its attempt to hold off Taliban militants who have terrorized the region with beheadings, kidnappings, and the destruction of girls' schools. The government will recognize sharia for the entire Malakand Division, which includes the Swat district -- a two-hour drive from Pakistan's capital, Islamabad -- the chief minister of North West Frontier Province Amir Haider Hoti announced Monday in a news conference. Islamic law is already being practiced in the area, where the Taliban have control.
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Pakistani Taliban's interpretation of sharia includes banning girls from school
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Deal with the Taliban comes after a visit by U.S. special envoy Richard Holbrooke
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Taliban: 10-day cease-fire in Swat Valley is good-will gesture towards government
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Critics warn that previous dealings with the Taliban have allowed it to regroup
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