Federal Shariat Court

The Federal Shariat Court is a constitutional Islamic religious court of Pakistan, located in the federal capital, Islamabad. It was established in 1980 during the government of President General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq. Its central task is to examine and determine whether the laws of the country comply with Sharia law, and it is the only authority holding the constitutional power to prohibit the enactment of laws deemed un-Islamic by the parliament of Pakistan. It also hears appeals under the Hudood Ordinances, the religious legislation introduced in 1979. If a law is found to violate the Quran, sunnah or hadith, the court will prohibit its enactment. The court therefore sits as a review body over legislation rather than as an ordinary trial or appeal court.