Senate passes two pro-women bills unanimously

ISLAMABAD: The Upper House of the Parliament on Monday unanimously passed two landmark pro-women bills aimed at protecting women from the negative customs and traditions and seeking severe punishments for the violators.

The bills already passed by the National Assembly were moved one by one by Senator Nilofar Bakhtiar. Both the bills seek to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 and the Code of Criminal Procedures, 1898.

An Anti-Women Practices bill consisting of five clauses seeks to penalise evils such as the so-called marriage with the holy Quran, forced wedlock and depriving women from inheritance.

The statement of objects and reasons of the bill said that were several practices and customs in vogue in the country which were not only against human dignity but also volatile human rights. Such customary norms, which are contrary to Islamic injunctions, should be done away forthwith and the persons continuing such practices be dealt with severely by providing penal and financial liabilities.

The bill recommends punishment for giving female in marriage or otherwise in ‘badla-e-sulh’, wani or swara. It says, “Whoever gives a female in marriage or otherwise compels her to enter into marriage, as ‘badla-e-sulh’, wanni, or swara or any other custom or practice under any name, in consideration of settling a civil dispute or criminal liability, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years but shall not be less than three years and shall also be liable to fine of five hundred thousand rupees.”

Besides the bill proposed prohibition of depriving woman from inheriting property, prohibition of forced marriage and prohibition of marriage with the Holy Quran. The violators will be handed over either imprisonment or a fine of five hundred thousand rupees for each crime.

The other bill which is aimed at preventing incidents of throwing acid at women recommended that whoever hurt by corrosive substance shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description which shall not be less than 14 years and a minimum fine of Rs one million.

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Asghar Khan backs Imran’s PTI

ISLAMABAD: Tehrik-e-Istiqlal Pakistan chief Air marshal (retd) Asghar Khan on Monday announced to back Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf. He also announced his resignation as a party chief, FTNews reported.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Imran Khan, Asghar Khan adviced the PTI chief to start a movement for free and fair elections.

He claimed that all the elections conducted in the past were rigged.

Both leaders appealed the Supreme Court of Pakistan to hear an already filed petition regarding disbursement of funds among politicians by ISI during 1998 elections.

Imran khan, on the occasion, said his party would strive for the formation of a free election commission and would make sure that an apex court’s verdict regarding voting lists was put into practice.

The PTI chief warned to cease all cities of the country if the upcoming elections were rigged.

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Sherry Rehman pledges commitment in forthcoming duties

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador-designate to USA, Sherry Rehman on Monday assured her full commitment and helps to draw new future strategies along with other political parties in her new position.

Talking to a private news channel, Sherry Rehman said, in any democratic system passion, dedication and commitment were required to fulfill public demands adding the focus of the government was on such things.

Replying to a question she said she did not left politics at all but resigned from the then position only as she believed politics was to serve the nation and all those ambitions which come under its sphere needed to be fulfilled.

Sherry Rehman said she is the owner of Jinnah Institute in London and has also introduced the same in Pakistan which is based on the ideology of Pakistan and Quaid-i-Azam’s August 11, 1947 speech in the Constituent Assembly.

She quoted Jinnah’s words that in Pakistan each and everybody will be equal in this new state irrespective to cast, creed or gender with full religious freedom.

“We will keep our voice in the policy making and will suggest the government about different future strategies”.

Sherry Rehman said there is no gender bias as men and women are working together in the new political arena therefore the new generation should join political parties to bring about the change in the system.

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