Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif Monday said the government was plugging loopholes in existing laws to end honour killings in the country. He was talking to renowned social activist and filmmaker Ms Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy who called on him here at the PM House. "Social evils can be overcome through an effective partnership between the government and the civil society," the Prime Minister told Ms Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif termed honour killings as a critical issue and said his government was determined to adopt all measures to "remove this stain from the society." "Women are the most essential element of our society and I believe in their empowerment, protection and emancipation for a prosperous and vibrant Pakistan," the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the customs and practices like honour killings, have nothing to do with the divine principles of Islam. He said it was Islam which first recognised the rights of women. He said the social reforms brought in by Islam, altered the course of history for all times to come.
The prime minister said loopholes in the existing laws would be plugged in consultation with the stakeholders. The Prime Minister announced that the premiere of Ms Chinoy's documentary nominated for the 88th Academy Awards - A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness - will be held at the Prime Minister's Office on 22nd February, a statement from the PM House said.
The Prime Minister wished Ms Chinoy success in the Academy Award for her film. Ms Chinoy said she was proud that the Prime Minister has taken a leading role to address the issue of honour killing in the country. She thanked the prime minister for supporting her endeavours to end honour killings in the country and revive the progressive image of Pakistan. The filmmaker appreciated the role of Ms Maryum Nawaz in helping the government achieve its goals in the sector of education. The meeting was also attended by Ms Maryum Nawaz Sharif and SAPM Tariq Fatemi.