By Asif Ali
PESHAWAR: Women MPAs of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has stressed for taking civil society on board before drafting and formulation of laws relating to human rights especially protection and empowerment of women in the province.
Speaking at a meeting of the provincial Joint Working Group (JWG) of Democracy Reporting International (DRI) on Friday, MPA Meraj Humyun said lack of coordination between civil society and elected members of provincial assembly has resulted in delay of passage Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Youth Policy.
She asked civil society to nominate their representatives from every walk of life for making liaison with law makers regarding formulation and implementation of various policies and laws of human rights including safety of minorities.
PML-N women MPA Amina Sardar told the participants that she would raise a question in next session of the assembly that as to why KP Youth Policy has not yet been implemented despite its draft was unanimously approved in the house.
She said the same policy was implemented in Punjab in letter and spirit and youth were taking benefit of it in different sectors but Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government was least bothered to expedite efforts for its passage.
Rashda Rifat JI MPA said that she would prepare a new draft on violence against women bill in which various shortcomings would be removed and legal recommendations would be inducted.
Founding member of Pakistan Council of World Religions (PCWR) Haroon Sarab Diyal called for amendments in Christian Marriages and Divorce Act 1978 and bringing it in accordance with changing circumstances. He sought separate university, shelter homes, hospital and schools for Hindu community in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The participants of the meeting congratulated Haroon Sarbyal on passage of Hindu Marriage Bill by the Parliament of Pakistan. Provincial coordinator of DRI Khalfaan Khattak, Mehreen Afridi Chairperson FATA Youth Assembly and Director Program Khwendo Kor Gulalai also spoke on the occasion.
