LAHORE, March 9: Repeal of Hudood Ordinance and inhuman customs like ‘karo kari’ and ‘vani’ was demanded at a meeting held in connection with the International Women’s Day here on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting convened by the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research at the Pakistan Mint, Ghulam Fatima of Bonded Labour Front and Tariq Awan said the repeal of Hudood laws was necessary because these were discriminatory against women and minorities.

Dr Quratul Ain and Humaira regretted that ‘karo kari’ and ‘vani’ were being allowed to continue despite being aimed at victimising women for wrongdoings of men. They said the customs should be declared unlawful and severe punishment prescribed for those involved in continuing the same.

Asma Rehman from Working Women Resource Centre and Dr Javed Ali said women workers should be given rights and wages equal to men in accordance with the ILO conventions. They also called for steps to end gender discrimination against women and for their health and safety at workplace. —Reporter