After winning a recent presidential referendum, Pakistan's...

After winning a recent presidential referendum, Pakistan's Gen. Pervez Musharraf might believe he has the official mandate of the people, but activists are waiting for proof that his commitment to anti-extremism is more than a campaign pledge.
They say Musharraf can start by repealing the controversial Islamic laws - including the "Hudood" Ordinance or morality laws - enacted by the dictator Zia ul-Haq during his rule from 1977 to 1988. The activists say that for good measure, Musharraf can go further with the abolition of all laws that discriminate against women.
Such calls have become louder following the April 17 sentencing of Zafran Bibi, a mother of five, to death by stoning in a public place. Bibi, who had first approached authorities as a rape victim, not only saw the man she accused of violating her go scot-free, but has also found herself convicted of adultery.
"The recent verdict on Zafran Bibi is a shameful event for the entire nation," noted the Alliance for the Repeal of Discriminatory Laws. "Punishing the victim herself, instead of delivering justice to her, was a disgrace to humanity."
Shariah, or Islamic, courts try cases falling under the hudood ordinance. They operate in parallel with Pakistan's ordinary criminal courts, which follow British laws.Observers say that despite his pronouncements against extremism, Musharraf is reluctant to undo the Islamic laws he inherited from the Zia ul-Haq administration for fear of a severe backlash from religious groups.
But women activists determined to save Bibi have hired the services of some top lawyers and have challenged the decision on her case in the Shariah high court.