KARACHI: 60 women to be freed from Sindh prisons: Ordinance welcomed
KARACHI, July 8: Sindh Minister for Women Development and Social Welfare Dr Saeeda Malik has termed the presidential ordinance regarding immediate release of the women detained under Hudood laws, except those charged with murder and terrorism, ‘a historic step’.
Addressing a press conference at her office here on Saturday, she said the present government was determined to do everything for the betterment of womenfolk. After the amendment made to the relevant laws, the women prisoners would be released at the earliest, she said.
She said that her ministry had put the matter of jail reforms before President Pervez Musharraf only two weeks back and the swift action taken by him was commendable.
The minister stated that there were some 1,690 women prisoners languishing in 55 jails of the country and 246 of them were charged under Hudood laws.
She further stated that there were 274 women prisoners in Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana jails whereas 15 of them were foreigners. The ordinance would benefit 60 women prisoners who would be released soon, she added.
Dr Malik said that arrangements had also been made for the repatriation of the women prisoners to their countries of origin soon after their release.
She said that after release of the local women prisoners, the government would take measures for their rehabilitation through the Khushali Bank and other institutions.
Regarding other measures for women’s help and assistance, she made mention of the crisis centre. Besides, the Jail Reforms Committee working under the supervision of Justice Nasir Aslam Zahid would set up its cells at Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Larkana jails, she added.
In reply to a question, she observed that every fourth woman in Britain and every 10th in Canada faced harassment, adding that this was not a matter concerning Sindh or Pakistan alone. However, she said, the government was taking steps to check the same.—PPI
Our reporter adds: Founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement Altaf Hussain on Saturday welcomed General Pervez Musharraf’s decision to free 1,300 women prisoners on bail as ‘a historic step’ that would prove to be a catalyst in the struggle for the rights of women.
Paying tributes to Gen Musharraf for issuing the ordinance in this regard, Mr Hussain expressed the view that for the first time in the country’s history, such a courageous step had been taken for the rights of women.
Mr Hussain was of the view that the presidential ordinance would weaken all those elements which were trying to keep women in bondage and also those which were injecting extremism by exploiting religion.
He observed that a majority of the jailed women was convicted under ‘un-Islamic laws’ made in the name of Islam.
He assured president Musharraf of his full support in his measures for restoring women rights.
KARACHI, July 8: Sindh Minister for Women Development and Social Welfare Dr Saeeda Malik has termed the presidential ordinance regarding immediate release of the women detained under Hudood laws, except those charged with murder and terrorism, ‘a historic step’.
