Pakistani Minister Defends Controversial Domestic Violence Bill and Child Marriage Laws

Pakistani Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Sardar Muhammad Yousaf was questioned by journalists about the country’s proposed domestic violence bill and child marriage laws. The minister was asked whether the government had any faith in the country’s Islamic Ideology Council (IIC) on these sensitive matters. The parliamentary committee had recommended that the Ministry of Religious Affairs take suggestions from the IIC on the matter of the parliamentary delegation’s official expenses for attending the Roza-e-Rasool (PBUH) in the federal capital. However, Sardar Muhammad Yousaf responded that the IIC was established to oversee such matters. He further stated that the issue was being handled in consultation with the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and according to him, laws should be made through the IIC. The minister also said that it was the Speaker’s discretion to send lawmakers on official Hajj and Umrah, and there is no quota for any individual to send on official Hajj. A joint statement has been issued by the committee, which was chaired by Chief Justice of Islamabad High Court, Justice Sardar Tariq Masood. The court order states that the applicant’s grandson had taken the car without permission, and a tragic incident occurred. The committee has suggested reforms in the super tax to improve the financial situation and phased-out reduction. MQM’s spokesperson said that a high-level investigative commission should be set up under the Commission of Inquiry Act 2017. The police have filed a case under Section 322 of the Penal Code against the deceased’s father, Sajid Hussain, based on his statement. In a press conference in Karachi, Sindh’s senior minister said that a letter would be sent to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court for a judicial inquiry. Sindh’s senior minister also said that Pakistan and Afghanistan are facing temporary difficulties, and China is trying to improve relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Ministry of Education, Sindh, said that for the first time the government is taking steps to strengthen the administration of government schools. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi over the phone. Despite court decisions, the founder of PTI was not invited to the meeting. Shahbaz Sharif said in a speech that today’s event is of historical importance, and he congratulates the nation. ANP’s senior leader Ghulam Ahmed Bilour said in a press conference that he is a spent cartridge, not a member of the assembly, and not an officeholder. Sindh’s senior minister said in a press conference that a letter will be sent to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court for a judicial inquiry.