MMA should move court against WP Bill: Durrani
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—Information Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani said those threatening to resign on passage of Women Protection Bill (WPB) should resort to the courts.
He said this while addressing a seminar organised by NGO, Communicators Foundation here Tuesday with reference to WPB and later talking to the journalists. Minister of state for information, Tariq Azeem Khan, federal minister Syed Safwan Ullah and minister for women development Sumera Malik also spoke on the occasion.
Durrani told MMA did not give any proposal when the bill was presented in the assembly. This means there was nothing Un-Islamic in the bill. It is right of majority to legislate.
He went on to say provincial government passed Hasba Bill and the centre did not create any hindrance in this regard. The national exchequer was to suffer extra financial burden Rs 8 billion if the bill was implemented. However supreme court suspended the operationalisation of Hasba bill. Threatening to resign and imposing the will of minority on majority in connection with this bill is unethical and illegal act.
He underlined that if any thing is found repugnant to Quran and Sunnah, it can be challenged in the court. Certain elements are playing politics in the name of Islam and Quran. People are with us on the bill and even their house wives will not vote for those opposing this bill, he remarked.
The legislation made by NA in the form of WPB would help bring to end injustices against the women. Minister for women development Sumera Malik said November 15 was historical day when the assembly passed the bill. He dispelled the impression being created by MMA that it was prejudicial to Islam. “ I will visit all the districts to create awareness on this count.
Minister of state for education Aneesa Zeb Tahir Kheli said Zina is forbidden in a Muslim society. Therefore government is also taking steps against Zina Bil Jabbar.
Minister of state for information Tariq Azeem Khan said Ulema committee had not opposed WPB and declared it in consonance with Quran and Sunnah. But now they are politicizing this bill.
Chaudhry Shujaat has filed another draft bill with NA to give more rights to women, he informed. Benazir remained prime minister for two stints but she did nothing for the uplift of the women. Mian Nawaz Sharif could not get the bill passed even with heavy mandate, he added.
Minister for housing Syed Safwan Ullah told police have nothing to do with such cases now after the passage of WPB. These will now go direct to the courts, he added.