Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here on Saturday that the Women Protection Bill was the first step towards women's emancipation, empowerment and protection of their rights, and the government has started work on another piece of legislation to ensure their rights.
Addressing a gathering of students and teachers of local colleges and schools at the Prime Minister Secretariat, he said that more legislative measures would follow to guard women against social injustices and excesses.
He said, "A draft bill to save women from social customs, like marriage with Quran, inheritance issues, Vani, and procedure of divorce, has been presented to National Assembly Speaker for giving more rights to women."
The meeting was organised to celebrate the passage of Women Protection Bill, which he described as a "historic significant step forward for emancipation of women." It was attended by a large number of students and teachers from different schools and colleges of both Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
Shaukat said that six elements of new legislation would protect the women against injustices, and give them more rights, protection and security.
Rejecting false propaganda by some elements, he said that the women protection bill was fully in line with injunctions of Islam, and there was nothing in it against Quran and Sunnah.
He said no government or assembly in Pakistan could even think of introducing a law contrary to Quran and Sunnah. He said the government would keep up its campaign and introduce more legislation's to further protect the rights of women.
The Prime Minister said that Chaudhry Shujaat has submitted a new draft bill to the National Assembly to end un-Islamic practices, like marriages of girls with Quran and customs like Vani and Swara.
Shaukat, "Islam is our faith, and we are bound to follow it in letter and spirit."
The Prime Minister said passage of Women Protection Bill and the other legislation would give more voice and strength to women.
He said the women in the Islamic society have equal rights, therefore, the government has been taking measures to ensure their rights. The Prime Minister said, "Its not being done to please any body" adding that government is doing it to raise the standard of living of women.
The government, he said, has the zeal, strength and commitment to take such decisions and all these steps are in national interest. Referring to other measures taken by the government, the Prime Minister said, seats of women were increased in the Local Government institutions, provincial and national assemblies.
The Prime Minister said the women are working in various fields including army, airforce, and other departments. He said government is committed to improving the living standard of the people but still facing many challenges.