PESHAWAR, March 14: The NWFP Joint Action Committee (JAC) of civil society groups has expressed concern over a reported understanding between the government and the Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal for not repealing the controversial Hudood ordinance and has asked Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Jamali to revoke that decision forthwith.

In a letter sent to Prime Minister Jamali, the JAC states: "With this arbitrary and self-serving decision, you have blatantly sacrificed the critical issue of women's rights for political expediency."

The letter, sent by Ms Bushra Gohar on behalf of the JAC, further states: "You have not only contradicted your own government's much acclaimed position on human rights, particularly the rights of women, but are also in serious breach of all international and national commitments, (the) Constitution and Islamic injunctions."

The JAC has also asked civil society groups, including ]NGOs, lawyers, journalists, academicians, doctors, etc. to send letters to the prime minister and condemn his government's decision.

While condemning such a "non-transparent" and "autocratic" decision, "we demand that you immediately and publicly withdraw this decision and ensure that the NCSW's recommendations on the Hudood ordinances are placed before parliament for discussion as required by the law," the letter states.

"We once again raise a strong and joint voice against the Hudood ordinances and demand for an immediate repeal to ensure immediate redressal of the injustices and torture suffered by women in the past and those who are likely to do so in the future due to abundant exploitation possible under the Zina Ordinance," the letter added.

It is worth mentioning that the National Commission on the Status of Women had recommended repealing of the Hudood ordinances, terming the set of five hudood ordinances discriminatory towards women and against the spirit of Islam. The MMA has criticized the NCSW recommendations and has asked the government not to repeal these laws.