WP Bill to be enforced next week, says Wasi
Staff Report

ISLAMABAD—The Women Protection Bill passed by the both Houses of Parliament would be enforced next week after approval of President General Pervez Musharraf, Minister for Law, Justice and Human Rights, Wasi Zafar said on Thursday.
Talking to mediapersons, he said, the Senate will send the bill to the Ministry of Law in a couple of day for onward submission to the President for endorsement.” About implementation of this law, he said the government would ensure its implementation through courts. Answering to a question, he said the opposition could bring about new amendments if there was any lacuna in the bill. He, however, said the bill has been prepared with great care and in accordance with the Islamic teachings and discussed in detail in the both houses of Parliament.
The articles regarding Hadood law have not been changed and they are part and parcel of the bill, he added. Wasi Zafar said the MMA could approach the courts and people forum if there is anything un-Islamic in the bill. Commenting on the passage of the bill, he said this would strengthen the democracy and democratic institutions in the country. He asked the opposition especially the MMA to refrain from negative politics and adopt a positive attitude.
Minister for Law and Justice , Wasi Zafar said Hudood ordinance was Un-Islamic while Women Protection Bill (WPB) is in conformity with Islam, Quran and Sunnah. He said this while concluding debate on WPB in Senate here Thursday. He held that earlier the Divine and man made laws were combined, which is wrong. “ We have brought no change in Hudood ordinance and only we have expunged man made Tazeerat from it”, he added. When punishment for Hudood is incorporated in Hudood ordinance, there is no reality in it that Zina bil Jabbar has been excluded from WPB. We have incorporated punishment which is similar to lashing with stripes.
He was of the opinion that Hudood ordinance has led to spread of obscenity in streets and mohallas. When drinking alcohol was banned, the use of heroin became widespread. On what basis opposition wants to resign, he questioned. Their basic motive is that democratic system is derailed and assemblies don’t complete their term.
No one recognized the Islamic parties in 1970 as they had not recognized Pakistan, he underlined. Religion is a separate thing from politics and it should be separated from governance. They should now forget that they would grab power through religion.
Consultation process continued for three years on this bill, he told. Another 6-point draft bill to provide more rights to the women has been filed with assembly. This bill will also be passed. No one can dare to alter Hudood laws. Hudood ordinance was exploited to disgrace only women and relatives.
Agencies add: President Pakistan Muslim League (PML) Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain has asked MMA to withdraw its decision to resign from the National Assembly for the continuity of democratic system.
Talking to a private TV channel, he said he was in contact with MMA leaders Qazi Hussain Ahmed and Maulana Fazlur Rehman. He said he wanted that the MMA should withdraw its decision of resignation so that the assemblies could complete their tenure.