Politicians, activists urge to expedite work on Hindu marriage bill

Differences between various Hindu sects reason for delay, say lawmakers


Our Correspondent November 06, 2015
Differences between various Hindu sects reason for delay, say lawmakers. PHOTO: fb.com/Sindh-Rural-Partners-Organization

KARACHI: Politicians and human rights activists shared their views on the Hindu marriage bill in an open-debate seminar organised by the Sindh Rural Partner Organisation (SRPO) at Marriot Hotel in Karachi on Wednesday.

SRPO is an organisation that works for the protection of human rights, women and children's rights. However, SRPO has now decided to struggle for the rights of the minorities under a project called 'Promoting and Protecting Minority Rights in Southern Sindh.' The organisation aims to target 30 union councils of Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas and Umerkot under the project.

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Speaking about the work that has being done regarding the Hindu marriage bill, SRPO chairperson Zahida Detho said many organisations have worked for the cause including political parties and social forums such as Aurat Foundation. "There are many things to be kept in mind regarding the Hindu marriage bill," Detho said.



Minority representatives from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) also attended the seminar. Appreciating the work of SRPO, PPP minority representative MPA Laal Chand said, "The political parties may differ in their stance, but we all think in the same dimension for the rights of minorities." PML-N minority wing president Sham Sundar expressed his support and said that the two parties will work together for the minorities.

Chand said that bringing all the various Hindu sects on board was the main reason for the delay in processing the bill. However, he added that soon they will get every stakeholder on board. Criticising the government for their irresponsible behaviour towards rights of minorities, Pakistan Hindu Council president Chela Ram expressed displeasure over the Hindu community being ignored. "All the minority members of the political parties have forgotten about the issues their communities are facing," said Ram.

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SRPO is working for the past 10 to 15 years, said SRPO policy adviser Nasir Ali Panwar, adding that the only problem they are facing to draft the bill is the representation of all the Hindu castes and their respective heads. He added that they plan to hold a large conference inviting every stakeholder in this regard.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7th, 2015.

COMMENTS (4)

Nil | 8 years ago | Reply I urge all Hindu's living under threat since last 65 years just leave Pakistan for god sake and come to India. This is your home land we always welcome you.
Iqbal | 8 years ago | Reply We should treat our minorities just like India does.
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