The Muttahida Majlis-i-Amal on Wednesday brushed aside the impression that the proposed Hasba Bill was in violation of the Constitution and declined to withdraw it. The six-party religio-political alliance believed the Federal government would not impose 'governor's rule' in the NWFP, but warned of dire consequences against any such move.
Speaking at a news conference, MMA deputy parliamentary leader in the National Assembly, Liaquat Baloch announced to present the law in the National and other two provincial assemblies (Sindh and Balochistan) as well.
The Hasba bill has ignited countrywide debate among political, legal and civil society circles, many of whom have described it as a step towards 'Talibanisation'.
Liaquat Baloch told the media men that the proposed bill was an important step towards achieving the basic objectives of the Shariah. "The basic concept of the bill is to provide speedy justice to people at their doorstep and prevent promotion of vulgarity and obscenity besides protecting high morals in the society," he added.
The MMA leader maintained the bill was drafted within the confines of articles 2, 31, 36, 37, 137, 141, 142 and 227 of the Constitution and also emphasises on voluntary observance of moral code without any coercion.
When asked about the possibility of imposing governor's rule in the NWFP, Baloch said the government would never go for it. "We believe the government will not consider such option but if it did so, it will have to face dire consequences," he warned.
The government lawmakers are of the view that Article 112 (2)(b) of the Constitution allows a governor to dissolve the provincial assembly and the federal government could also impose the 'Governor's Rule'.
The MMA deputy parliamentary leader said the bill was drafted keeping in view all the recommendations of the Council of Islamic Ideology and added the legislation process will not be affected if it is again referred to CII.
He claimed President of Pakistan Muslim League, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, Secretary General, Mushahid Hussain and all other political leaders and legal experts were briefed about the proposed bill and they had endorsed it.
Baloch made it clear that there would be no one-man rule, as decision of the 'Mohtasib' can be challenged in the High Court.
The MMA has absolute majority in the 124-member NWFP Assembly that guarantees a comfortable passage of the bill in the House. But all other political parties including the ruling PML coalition, PPPP, PML-N, ANP and others are against the bill.
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