ISLAMABAD, August 23 2006: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has assured that the Hudood Ordinance will not be repealed, adding that only some of its clauses are being modified to ensure protection of women’s rights. Talking to reporters at his chamber on Tuesday (Aug 22), the prime minister said Pakistan is an Islamic state and the government cannot even think of taking any step that may flout the Islamic injunctions. Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Muhammad Ali Durrani was also present on the occasion.

Shaukat said Pakistan has been created in the name of Islam and no one can dare to legislate against the teachings of Islam. He said the government has introduced the Bill for the Protection of Women’s Rights in the National Assembly. The bill is in line with the Holy Qur’aan and Sunnah and has been prepared after consultations with Ulema and religious and legal experts. “Each and every word of the draft bill is in accordance with the Holy Qur’aan and Sunnah,” he said.

The prime minister said in categorical terms that no change has been proposed against the Hudood laws declared by the Holy Qur’aan but procedural changes have been proposed to improve it and that again in a way not violating the Islamic philosophy. Condemning the negative attitude of Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) lawmakers in the National Assembly on Monday evening, the prime minister said it has hurt the sentiments of the whole nation. He said it was not a way to protest against any step of the government or to express reservations about any move. He said it was also not part of parliamentary or democratic practice. He urged the MMA to apologise to the nation and take steps for its remedy.

Shaukat appreciated the Pakistan People’s Party for not opposing the bill and said the government would welcome all those who intend to ensure protection of women’s rights. He said the National Assembly speaker would announce names of members of the National Assembly Committee which will meet tomorrow to finalise its recommendations on the bill.

The prime minister said the government fully supported the bill moved by the MMA regarding allowing one-dish wedding meal in both the Houses of parliament but it is regrettable that they adopted a negative approach for a bill which has been laid to ensure protection of women’s rights. He said the government would continue backing all those proposed legislations, even by the opposition, aimed at people’s welfare.
Source: The News
Date:8/23/2006