Pro-women bill sails through NA
20 January, 2012
ISLAMABAD: The Lower House of Parliament on Thursday unanimously passed the National Commission for Status of Women 2011 bill after incorporating over two and half dozens amendments in it, proposed by the oppositions as well as treasury benches. The bill, whose passage was delayed due to opposition from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) on Wednesday by seeking time to study it further, was moved by Adviser to Prime Minister on Human Rights Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar. Being the significant item on the agenda of the day, the House consumed a lot of time for this particular bill with several amendments, proposed by various members from both sides of the aisle, which were accepted by the government to make it a consensus bill. The consensus bill was also made possible because of the behind-the-scene efforts put in by Speaker Dr Fahmida Mirza, who lobbied hard by interacting with the members even late on Wednesday night to allow the bill to sail through during the Thursday session. The statement of objects and reasons of the bill state that it is aimed for the empowerment of women, equalisation of opportunities, improvement in socioeconomic conditions, elimination of all forms of discrimination against them and other concerned matters. The federal government, in exercise of the powers conferred on it, would establish a commission to perform the function assigned to it as provided in the bill. The Commission would be independent having autonomous status with full financial and administrative powers. Its fundamental functions will be to examine policies, programmes and other measures taken by the government for women uplift and gender equality. It will assess implementation and make suitable recommendations to the concerned authorities, considered necessary for effective impact. The Commission will also review all laws, rules and regulations, affecting the status and rights of women and suggest repeal, amendment or new legislation essential to eliminate discrimination, safeguard and promote women interest and achieve gender equality before law in accordance with country's constitution and obligations under international covenants and commitments. An important amendment moved by the PML-N was adopted unanimously regarding the appointment of the chairman of the commission. The federal government would, through public notice, invite suggestions for suitable persons for the post of chairman and after proper scrutiny submit a list of individuals to the prime minister and opposition leader in the NA, who would then forward them to the parliamentary committee. The parliamentary committee shall be constituted by the Speaker NA and shall comprise fifty percent members from the treasury benches and fifty from the opposition parties based on their strength in the parliament to be nominated by respective parliamentary leaders. The amendment moved by Dr Nafisa Shah with others, passed unanimously said that commission with the prior permission of provincial government concerned may inspect any jail, sub jail or others places of custody where women are kept. End.
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