Anti-Women Practices Bill right step to discourage negative customs

Chairman, Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, Afrasiab Khattak on Friday said the landmark passage of Bill would protect the women segment from negative customs and traditions and ensure their rights. The democratic forces have always protected the rights of people and it would continue improving the human rights situation in the country through legislation and other necessary measures, he told APP.
In his comments on unanimously passing of landmark Anti-Women Practices Bill by Senate, he said the Bill consists of five clauses, seeking to penalise the so-called marriage with the Holy Quran, forced marriage and depriving women from inheritance.
Replying to a question, he said the Bill clearly says a female in marriage or otherwise compels her to enter into marriage, as 'badla-e-sulah,' wanni, or swara or any other custom or practice under any name, in consideration of settling a civil dispute or criminal liability, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years but shall not be less than three years and shall also be liable to fine of Rs 5,00,000.
He said that unity among the democratic forces is essential for promotion of sustainable democracy, prosperity of the people, protection of Human Rights and solution of problems being faced. To another question, he said democratic forces should join hands to protect the rights of common people.