Pak committee trying to reconcile differing views on Domestic Violence Protection Bill

Islamabad, April 8(ANI): A multi party committee decided to reconcile differing views on the Domestic Violence Protection Bill following angry outbursts by woman activists against lawmakers' reluctance to debate the bill.

"This morning the discussion on the bill, clause by clause, was done with open minds by all present, in an effort to improve and remove any legal contradictions or gaps. The process is as important as the outcome in such an important legislation," The Dawn quoted Awami National Party Bushra Gohar, as saying.

She stressed that the fact the National Assembly had passed the very bill, now being reviewed, in 2009, must be recognised.

"A great deal of consultations took place at that time to accommodate the views of all sides to strengthen the bill. After the 18th Amendment many of the areas covered in the bill became provincial subjects. Therefore, there was a need to review it," he added.

Yasmeen Rehman revealed that the committee first addressed his objections.

"Maulana sahib clarified that he is not against the rights of women but that we shouldn't act on Western ideas and ensure that everything is done within Islamic tenets and Shariah," Rehman added.

The supporters of the bill addressed these concerns and, subsequently, the committee members started going over each clause of the bill to address any objections so the bill can be unanimously passed when the next session resumes.

The Domestic Violence Protection (Prevention and Protection Bill) passed by the National Assembly in 2009 lapsed after 90 days when the Senate returned it with some objections. It had to be retaken in a joint session to be made into law. (ANI)