ISLAMABAD, Dec 7: Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) MNA Kunwar Khalid Yunus has said he will soon submit a bill to the National Assembly Secretariat to repeal Hudood laws. Talking to Dawn on Wednesday, the MQM MNA criticized those members of the treasury as well as the opposition who had opposed his bill seeking an amendment to the Hudood laws during the National Assembly session on Tuesday.

Mr Yunus said he had only submitted an amendment to the Hudood Ordinance which suggested that women’s evidence should also be accepted in Hudood-related matters. He said there was a division in the parliament on his amendment bill, which was consequently dropped by the speaker after a vote-count.

The MQM MNA said out of 57 Muslim countries, there were 55 Islamic states where Hudood laws did not exist.

“Does it mean that these 55 countries are not Islamic states,” he asked.

The MQM leader said those who claimed that Islamic laws could not be changed must know the history that there was a time when Caliph Omar suspended the punishment of chopping hands of thieves when the people were facing a famine-like situation.

The MQM leader said the Hudood Ordinance was promulgated at a time when there was no parliament in the country. He said these laws were never brought before the parliament for ratification.

Mr Yunus said those members of the National Assembly, including the treasury members, who had opposed his bill were actually against women rights. He said the laws like Hudood Ordinance were bringing a bad name to the country.

Moreover, he said, such laws were against the government’s much-publicized enlightened moderation. He was of the view that President Gen Pervez Musharraf’s enlightened moderation should be implemented in the country in letter and spirit.

Replying to a question, the MQM MNA said though he had submitted the bill in his personal capacity but it was in total resonance with his party’s philosophy.