|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Monday, 17 May 2004 |
 |
|
 |
World | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Musharraf wants review of strict Islamic laws ISLAMABAD, Sunday (Reuters) Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf called for a review of controversial Islamic laws that human rights groups say are discriminatory against women and non-Muslim minorities. Speaking at a convention on human rights,Musharraf said the strict Islamic laws passed under the military dictatorship of late General Mohammad Zia-ul-Haq in 1979 should be studied afresh to ensure they were not misused. "The nation should not shy away from re-examining the Hudood Ordinance by scholars, lawyers and legislators within the teachings of the Holy Koran," the official APP news agency quoted Musharraf as saying. "Islam says we must reach a decision through discussion ... why should a discussion be opposed on an ordinance which is the creation of human mind," he added. One of the most controversial provisions of the Hudood laws states that a woman must have four pious male Muslim witnesses to prove a rape, or face a charge of adultery herself. Men and women found guilty of adultery face stoning to death or 100 lashes. Secular political parties, civil rights and women's groups say rape and other violent crimes against women have soared since the passage of Hudood laws. The private Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) says the incidence of rape could be higher than the one every two hours reported in the local media. But successive governments have failed to change the laws because of stiff opposition from Islamist groups. Musharraf said his general's uniform, which he has pledged to take off at the end of this year, had helped him take bold steps on human rights issues. Musharraf said the country's blasphemy law should also be reviewed. The blasphemy law prescribes the death penalty for insulting Prophet Mohammad, other prophets and holy books, but rights groups say it is often used to settle personal scores. "The blasphemy law needs to be looked into so that justice is done and it is not misused to victimise the innocent," Musharraf said. Most convictions are thrown out on appeal to higher courts, but several Christians and Muslims accused of blasphemy have been killed by religious fanatics inside prisons or police stations. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
