Pakistan: amendments to Hudood Ordinances approved

(16 Nov. 2006) : Pakistani Parliament approved on Wednesday amendments to the controversial Hudood Ordinances. Under the new bill of law crimes like rape and adultery would be judged by civil instead of Islamic courts. However, all punishments provided for in the notorious Hudood Ordinances – including stoning to death, lashing and amputation – remain valid. The draft Women's Protection Bill had long been the subject of debate. Religious fundamentalists are against any amendments. It has been seen as a litmus test of the stated commitment to a policy of "enlightened moderation" held by President Pervez Musharraf against Muslim religious parties.

As per Islamic law a woman rape victim had to produce four adult Muslim males to testify to an Islamic court that the act was carried out using violence. Upon failure to do so, she would find herself accused of adultery and subsequent imprisonment. However, the new law takes rape out of the sphere of the religious law and puts it under the penal code, allowing convictions to be made on the basis of circumstantial evidence. The bill also declares it is illegal to have sexual relations with women aged less than 16. Now the Women Protection Bill must be scrutinized and approved by the Senate.