QUETTA: The Evaji Alliance Balochistan (EAB), a non-governmental organisation, on Sun­day expressed concern over the delay in adopting the Child Marriage Bill moved in the provincial assembly years ago to stop early marriages in the province.

EAB chairperson Sana Durrani while addressing a press conference also demanded the appointment of provincial ombudsperson for the prevention of harassment on merit and in a transparent, legal and non-political manner.

Fatima Mengal, Fiza Kanwal, Alauddin Khilji and Ghulam Hussain Durrani were also present on the occasion.

Ms Durrani underlined the need for legislation for the protection of women’s inheritance rights at the earliest to safeguard their lives and property.

“Governments have to uphold constitutional laws to stop violation of women’s rights during war on terrorism, including unlawful arrest of innocent women,” Ms Durrani said.

Speaker criticises arrest of innocent women, asks parties to ensure gender-parity

The EAB chief expre­ssed reservations and serious concern over the use of women as weapon in the ongoing resistance and called upon the government to make strict laws to stop this practice.

The government should ensure implementation of constitutional laws, respect the sanctity of chador and chardewari and stop illegal arrest of innocent women during war against terrorism so that the human rights of women could be protected.

“Political parties must ensure equal representation of women, youth, people with disabilities, and transgender individuals in central executive committees,” she stressed and called for stringent laws at the provincial level to prevent the use of immoral language against women in TV shows, political rallies and on social media.

Ms Durrani said women should be given 33 per cent representation in jirgas which have been made functional so that women could play their role in resolving disputes about women.

Published in Dawn, November 25th, 2024