Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly Tuesday passed a bill to eradicate social evil from society traditionally called as Ghag, means demanding without consent the hand of a woman by making an open declaration in a locality.
The bill, titled as “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elimination of Custom of Ghag Ordinance 2012”, was tabled by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare, Sitara Ayaz and passed by the house unanimously with amendments.
The bill reads as the Islamic Shariah enjoins upon the government to legislate with respect to observance of Islamic moral standards and Shariah also gives respect to the woman to enter into valid marriage with free consent. The custom, bill adds, traditionally known as Ghag compelling or demanding by force the marriage of a women without her free consent or of her parents is patently violative of her rights given under the Constitution of Pakistan and the Islamic Shariah. It is expedient to take steps to eliminate such practices of custom for protection of the rights of woman by law.
Under the law, whoever, violates shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years but shall not less than three years and shall be liable to fine up to five hundred thousand rupees or both.
The offence under the Act shall be congnizable and non-bailable, further reads the bill. Most of the amendments were presented by female MPA of PPP, Noor Sehar and the mover, Provincial Minister for Social Welfare, Sitara Ayaz.
The house also referred a privilege motion, moved by MPA Dr Haider Ali to concerned committee. The motion was against Vice Chancellor Swat University for not including concerned MPA in the Senate of Swat University.
When the motion was tabled, Provincial Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Barrister Arshad Abdullah said government has not objection over it after which the Speaker put it for voting and the house gave consent for referring it concerned committee.Speaker, Kiramatullah Khan later adjourned the proceeding of the house for 3:00 p.m of Friday
