Daily Times

ISLAMABAD – Expressing his reservations on the recently passed Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Bill, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-F (JUI-F) chief Fazlur Rehman has said that he would not let Pakistan become secular.

“We are with all those who want to end violence against women but by this law the country is going from one extreme position to another,” he remarked while addressing a news conference.

He said the law does not adhere to the values of Pakistani society and contradicted religious beliefs. “This law is in conflict with the Holy Quran, the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Constitution of Pakistan and values of our country.”

Talking about the legislation, he said that his party is not against the system of lawmaking but it should be done keeping in view the Islamic principles.

Religious parties have severely criticised the women protection bill, calling it an attempt to destroy the family system in Pakistan, even as the Punjab chief minister defended it.

The bill, which was unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly on February 25, has 31 clauses, provides a system for complaint registration as well as penalties for offenders.

Under the law, a family court would fix hearing within seven days from receipt of the complaint. The defendant will have to show cause in court in the same week. All complaints would be decided within 90 days from the day of the receipt.