PA condemns hijab incident in India

LAHORE:

A condemnation resolution has been submitted in the Punjab Assembly over an incident involving a Muslim woman in India's state of Bihar, calling the act a grave violation of human dignity, religious freedom and women's rights.

The resolution was jointly moved by Punjab Assembly members Rana Muhammad Arshad, Rahila Khadim Hussain and several other lawmakers.

According to the text, the House strongly condemned what it described as a shameful incident that allegedly occurred during an official event in Bihar, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was accused of crossing moral and humanitarian boundaries.

The resolution alleged that the hijab of Dr Nusrat Parveen was forcibly pulled off, terming the act an unacceptable assault on her dignity and a blatant violation of fundamental rights.

The resolution stated that such behaviour by those in authority was intolerable in any civilised society and reflected a biased and authoritarian attitude towards minorities.

It emphasised that respect for religious beliefs and personal dignity was a basic democratic principle that must be upheld by state institutions.

Highlighting Pakistan's constitutional framework, the resolution noted that minorities in Pakistan are guaranteed protection through the Constitution, including reserved seats in the National and Provincial Assemblies, representation in state institutions and inclusion in public services. It asserted that Pakistan stood as an example of respect for minorities and religious freedom.