Minister asked to explain delay in domestic violence bill
Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto defends her ministry from her female colleagues.
Bhutto clarified that seven bills relating to women’s issues had been clubbed together into a single bill. PHOTO: ONLINE/FILE
KARACHI:
Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto defending her ministry from her female colleagues, who lamented that the domestic violence bill and laws against sexual harassment at workplaces had still not been tabled in the assembly.
“It has been five years, but bills focusing on issues facing women have not been passed,” complained Pakistan Peoples Party’s Humera Alwani. As she finished her speech, opposition members started chanting “shame, shame” against the government.
Bhutto clarified that seven bills relating to women’s issues had been clubbed together into a single bill. “The law minister has assured us [of support]. We hope to table the bill on February 14, or another date in the ongoing session.” Bhutto added that the home department did not agree with the punishments that her department and women MPAs had suggested for men who throw acid on women, engage in domestic violence or harass female colleagues at the workplace.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2013.
Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto defending her ministry from her female colleagues, who lamented that the domestic violence bill and laws against sexual harassment at workplaces had still not been tabled in the assembly.
“It has been five years, but bills focusing on issues facing women have not been passed,” complained Pakistan Peoples Party’s Humera Alwani. As she finished her speech, opposition members started chanting “shame, shame” against the government.
Bhutto clarified that seven bills relating to women’s issues had been clubbed together into a single bill. “The law minister has assured us [of support]. We hope to table the bill on February 14, or another date in the ongoing session.” Bhutto added that the home department did not agree with the punishments that her department and women MPAs had suggested for men who throw acid on women, engage in domestic violence or harass female colleagues at the workplace.
Published in The Express Tribune, February 13th, 2013.