WOMEN’S RIGHTS

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29715, 8 January 1962, Page 2

WOMEN’S RIGHTS

New Laws In Pakistan

New marriage laws, which came into force in Pakistan last year, have been hailed there as an Important advance in promoting women’s rights. The laws, which incorporate recommendations made by a commission set up in 1955 to examine the problem, are based on a liberal interpretation of the teaching of the Koran.

Under Islamic law, marriage is a civil contract and, theoretically, women have always been guaranteed certain rights. A wife had the right to divorce, to ask for annulment of marriage on grounds of cruelty, incompatibility, to seek judgement against a husband who married a second wife, and to inherit wealth which legally remained her own. In fact these rights have not benefited Pakistani women for centuries. The system of law had become rigid and archaic and women had long ago ceased to d< mand its protection. Translate Koran The new laws do not guarantee any new rights, but they translate the spirit of the Koran into effective legislation. The main changes are in the provisions concerning polygamy, registra. tion of marriages, divorce, and pensions and inheritance. Special authorisation must henceforth be requested by a husband wishing to contract a second marriage and the rights of the first wife are safeguarded. All marriages must be registered, and registrars are being appointed all over the country for the task. Divorce has been regularised, and a husband must Inform the chairman of the local municipal council of his intention to divorce instead of merely pronouncing the word three times, as formerly. Other provisions deal with property rights and the minimum marriage age for girls, which is now fixed at 16. Failure to comply with these requirements will be punishable by heavy fines and imprisonment. The new laws have been welcomed by all progressive sections of the population, particularly by women’s organisations working for equal rights for men and women in Pakistan.— (UNESCO).