Punjab govt lauded for passing eight bills

PA deputy speaker praises civil society’s role in pro-women legislation.

LAHORE:

The Punjab government has taken a historic step by passing eight bills to safeguard the rights of women, and credit for this goes to Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif.

Civil society representatives said this at a meeting at the Assembly Committee Room here on Thursday.

PA Deputy Speaker Rana Mashhood chaired the meeting, which was attended by Aurat Foundation, South Asia Partnership, WISE, SPO, Shirkat Gah, National Commission for Justice and Peace, Working Women’s Organisation, WAR, Bonded Labour Organisation, Arman, Godh, Finex Research Foundation and Homenet representatives.

Addressing the meeting, Mashhood appreciated the role of civil society in ensuring legislation for women. He said the NGOs provided valuable services. He stressed the need for greater liaison between public representatives and civil society. He said: “Our loyalties lie with Pakistan and we have to strengthen our country and institutions.”

He said the Punjab government believed in taking practical steps to protect women’s rights, as reflected in the approval of the eight bills.

Mumtaz Mughal of the Aurat Foundation, Bushra Khaliq of WISE, Advocate Hina Hafeez, Ghulam Fatima of the Bonded Labour Organisation, Ume Laila of Homenet, Naureen of Shirkat Gah, Peter Jacob of the National Commission for Justice and Peace and Salman Abid thanked the chief minister and the Women’s Development Department for approving the Bill for the Protection of Women against Harassment at Workplaces, Punjab Land Revenue Amendment Bill (Urban and Rural), Women University Multan (Amendment) Bill, Government College Women University Faisalabad Bill, Government College Women University Sialkot Bill, Government College Women University Bahawalpur Bill and Gender Mainstream Act.

They also stressed the need for legislation on eradication of domestic violence, formulation of a provincial commission for women, early appointment of a provincial ombudswoman, eradication of underage marriages, support to home-based workers and financial and legal protection for the elderly. They also stressed the need for implementation and monitoring of the approved laws.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4^th, 2013.