Pakistan introduces Islamic punishments

Press, 12 February 1979, Page 9

Pakistan introduces Islamic punishments

NZPA-Reuter Islamabad Stoning to death for adultery, amputation of a hand and foot for theft, and whipping for Muslims who drank alcohol became law in Pakistan on Saturday. Fhe measures were announced by the President (Genera! Zia-Ul-Haq) as part of a strict Islamic legal system.

However, the number of cases of mutilation and public executions by stoning are likely to be very limited because of the Khoranic provision that many witnesses are required to give evidence in cases of adultery and theft, observers have said. In a case of adultery, four eyewitnesses to the actual offence are required to prove the charge. Prohibition of alcohol will be enforced for ail except people belonging to the country’s sizeable Christian minority and other non-Mus-lim faiths, who will be able to drink at their religious ceremonies. Resident foreigners are also exempt from prohibition. General Zia, . who has ruled by martial law since seizing power 19 months ago, also ordered new forms of taxation which constitute the beginnings of an Islamic economic system. He unveiled the measures before an invited audience at the former National Assembly chamber, saying Pakistan had deviated from Isla-

mic principles and turned towards materialism.

He had already introduced whipping for some offences and a provision for amputation of the hand. He brought in the latest measures as Presidential orders which he said were backed by the Supreme Court. The Islamic punishments, which the President said were severe but designed as deterrents, include 80 lashes for drinking, libel and defa-

mation of character Stoning will be the punishment for rapists as well as for adulterers. “Islam is totally misunderstood and the picture of hordes of Muslims marching on Crusaders is wrong,” General Zia declared. “It is a benign religion teaching people to be kind and just and it is progressive.” Flanked by a religious adviser sent by King Khalid, Saudi Arabia. General Zia said a 2.5 per cent wealth tax known as the “zakat” would be levied on Muslims this year along with a 5 per cent tax on their farm produce.

The wealth tax would be collected on a voluntary basis at the local level, but also would be levied on bank accounts by the central Government. The proceeds would be used only to help the poor and in the building of hospitals and craft schools.

“We hope there will be no beggars in the country and, where there are professional beggars, they will be taken care of,” the President said. “We hope no one goes without a meal.”

The Pakistan National Alliance, which sponsors Ministers in the civilian Cabinet formed under General Zia last July, said it would leave the Government if the new measures did not mean full enforcement of the Islamic system.