Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Lahore (Fides Service) - Denouncing various forms of violence against women in Pakistan including domestic violence, deprivation from the voting right and denial of equal opportunities, the local Commission for Peace and Human Development has stressed the need to empower women and promote more respect for women’s dignity and inalienable rights.
Within a forum of several non denominational and Christian human rights organisations the Lahore based Commission, denounces the existence of laws which discriminate against women denying them access to economic, social and cultural development.
Expressing his views Mr Waseem Anthony, executive director of the Commission, said the condition of women in Pakistan has deteriorated rather than improved. Problems like honour killings, exchange of women as instruments of settling a vendetta. Commenting on the country’s Women Protection Act he said it has provided some relief to women but there are still many loopholes and still much is required to guarantee protection for women. Recalling that Pakistan’s Constitution sanctions equality of all citizens, Mr Waseem says this equality can only be guaranteed by a more equal system of police and judiciary and long term political reforms.
The Commission, one of many NGOs, Christian and Muslim working to protect the rights of persons and minorities, often operates with the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Pakistan.
Another group active in this field is the Catholic Women’s Association. Among its objectives, promote a culture of respect for human rights, particularly those of women; increase awareness of legal means to promote respect for the dignity of women; promote economic wellbeing of women in society; recognise and encourage the contribution offered by women to the life of the Church and the nation. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/3/2007 righe 25 parole 256)
