Civil society sharply criticises new CCI head

ISLAMABAD: Insani Haqooq Itehad (IHI) called upon the government to cancel the appointment of Senator Shirani as Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII).

In a press conference held here on Tuesday, a coalition of over 30 NGOs took strong exception to the reported move of the federal government to appoint Shirani as chairman, asserting that he was not a religious scholar.

Dr Zareena from Women Action Forum, Gul Naz Shiekh from Sungi Development Foundation, Wasim Wahga from Aurat Foundation, Shabana Arif from Rozan and Tahira Abdullah were present at the occasion, among others.

They were of the view that the decision was against the constitutional mandate of CII and that the applicant did not fulfill the basic qualification criteria required for such a position.

They said Senator Shirani was already affiliated with a political party and constitutionally, such a person could not occupy this post. Speakers said that the government’s decision was taken under pressure from its partners.

“We are very clear that politically expedient, flawed decisions cannot be made at the expense of the marginalised, such as women and minorities, who will certainly be the most effected by such appointments to the CII,” they added.

Feminists were worried about the impact this would have on opportunities for women as Shirani was very “conservative”. There are a number of religious scholars who could be appointed for the post, they said.

Published in the Express Tribune, June 16^th, 2010.