Summary CM Shahbaz assured the religious leaders to include their recommendations in the bill.
LAHORE (Dunya News / Reuters) – The leaders of religious parties on Monday have agreed on joining hands with Chief Minister of Punjab (CM) Shahbaz Sharif’s committee over Women Protection Bill.
According to details, a delegation consisting of Professor Sajid Mir, Jamat-e-Islami’s Asad Ullah, Moulana Amjad Khan under Jamiat Ulema Islam – Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazal ur Rehman supervision met CM Shahbaz in Lahore.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah and Salman Sufi also attended the session.
During the meeting, the provincial minister tried to overcome religious leaders’ reservations while some suggestions were also exchanged.
Maulana Fazal ur Rehman expressed resentment for not consulting him and Council of Islamic Ideology over the Act but the CM impressively assured to include his recommendations in the bill.
Subsequently, the religious leaders decided to join committee made to monitor implementation of Women Protection Bill.
Earlier, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah had written a letter to the religious scholars assuring to alleviate reservations expressed by them.
The letter stated that the Punjab government can never pass a bill that goes against the teachings of Islam.
The Protection of Women against Violence Bill 2015 criminalizes all forms of violence against women, including domestic, sexual, psychological, emotional, economic and verbal.
Under the new law, the provincial government will establish district protection centers, residential shelters and a toll-free helpline for victims of violence.
The first center would start its working in May. The committees have been directed to launch investigation into the matters secretly.
On the first hand, the women protection officer would try to resolve the matter with reconciliation for which teams comprising of members of assembly, District Coordination Officers (DCOs) and victims’ relatives would perform duties.
The law also says family courts must hold hearings within seven days of a complaint being made, and a decision must be taken on all complaints within 90 days.
Girls and women in Pakistan face many threats, from acid attacks and "honor killings" to domestic violence, rape and kidnapping, activists say.
