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Women Protection Bill Debate in Pakistan
- 1. In Pakistan, women have always been objected to abuse, violence and harassment that had led to some serious cases of rape, honor killing, domestic violence and trafficking. However besides the oppression of women, child abuse has also become a very common phenomenon that is rising at an alarming rate. This has caught the attention of many politicians currently. The issue of violence against women and child abuse has now become a political issue rather than just being a social issue. In the past, many cases have occurred related to violence may that include a gang rape of a teenage girl or a 17 years old bride strangled to death on her wedding eve or the case of Farzana who was stoned for marrying according to her wish. The rate of violence and harassment just keeps rising. In 2014, a total 3,768 cases of child sexual abuse (CSA) were reported. Furthermore, a report states that 1,005 honor killings were reported in Pakistan in 2014 which included 923 women and 82 minor girls, compared to the 869 cases in 2013. As all these issues were piling up, the Government of Pakistan decided to pass ‘Women Protection Bill’. Punjab’s Governor, Rafique Rajwane approved the bill which is applicable on the entire Punjab province. The women protection bill is made applicable against offence including psychological and emotional abuse, verbal abuse, cyber bulling, stalking and domestic violence. To protect the rights of women, a toll free number has been introduced to receive any complains of women against violence. Protection officers, shelters homes and district protection committee have been appointed to safeguard the interest of women. The silver lining on this entire bill was the 2nd Oscar that Sharmeen Obaid won for Pakistan for her sort film ‘A Girl in the River’ that covers the issue of honor killing in Pakistan. This created a boom on social media and every talk show. However, women protection bill has become a very heated topic for different political parties to debate on in Pakistan. Some liberal activist support the bill but on the other hand, many religious parties are opposing the bill are created challenges for Government to implement it. Many religious parties have stated that the women protection bill is against Islamic Sharia and has accused Nawaz Sharif’s government for pushing the country towards ‘Secularism’. Muhammad Mufti Naeem has stated that the clause of women protection bill is in contradiction with the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Mufti Naeem also stated “Rulers under their mental slavery of the West are forgetting their social values also.” He has gone as far as calling this bill as a ‘Tragedy’ as it opposes the teaching of Islam.
- 2. Recently a meeting of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) was conducted chaired by Muhammad Khan Sherani. “The bill is contrary to Constitution of Pakistan. Such laws cannot be made because they contradict the teachings of Islam,” sources quoted the council members as saying. Furthermore, CII has announced Punjab assembly to draft another bill which does ensure the protection of women but does not contradict with the Islamic values. The council has also pledged that the bill should be reviewed by CII before being implemented. Another reason why religious parties are against the bill is because JUI-F’s chairman, Maulana Fazal-Ur-Rehmen stated that this will bill will lead to high divorce rate in Pakistan that is not very much appreciated in Islam. Fazlur Rehman also stated that the bill would make men “insecure” and that it would make Pakistan a Western colony again. The Protection Act is objected to push women out of the home and increase their problems. Extremist explain this bill as a conflict with the Holy Koran, the life of Muhammad (P.B.U.H), constitution of Pakistan and values of our country. However many activist and politicians are still supporting the bill due to status of women in Pakistan. Zohra Yusuf, head of the independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), welcomed the bill and expressed the hope that efficient enforcement will help protect women. She talked about the bill as, “The bill appears to be a rather comprehensive attempt to institute a system for prevention of violence against women and for protection and rehabilitation of the women victims.” On the other hand, Information Minister – Pervaiz Rashid explained that it’s a pride to support a ruling party that plans to support women. While talking to media he said, “On one side there are those who want to torture mothers, sisters and daughters, and on the other there are people who want to protect them. Government is standing with those who want to protect women and we are proud of it.” Furthermore, feminist are enjoying the newly introduced bill as they have made endless efforts to introduce equality in Pakistani society. However the retaliating of Mullah’s has left many feminist fuming that has become a heated topic of decision on many talk shows. Recently Hassan Nasir was seen analyzing the bill on Geo Tv. It has also been discussed on famous talk shows like Power Play, News Beat, Sawal Yeh Hai, News Update, Meray Mutabiq and Baylaag.
- 3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS Although the introduction of ‘Women Protection Bill – 2015’ has been a breakthrough to end the tyranny that women face every second in Pakistan. But the mixed reviews have really challenged the application of the bill. In my opinion, both the government of Pakistan and religious extremist are right on their own behalf about the bill. The government of Pakistan has been trying to safeguard the interest of women and for that all the efforts of the government should be appreciated. However, the religious parties are right on their own side because the ideology of Pakistan is based on Islamic values and customs therefore it is the responsibility of leaders and policy-makers to make policies that don’t contradict with Islam. To avoid any such conflicts and disputes, the government and all religious parties should collaborate together to protect the interest of citizens and avoid any political uprising or dissension.
- 5. Current Political issue in Pakistan: ‘Women Protection Bill -2015’ Submitted to: Dr. Aftab Kazi Submitted by: Hareem Syed 1217-106 BS-SS 8