PA working to ensure protection of Hindu couples, says Shehla Raza

Karachi
The Sindh Assembly’s recently formed minority caucus has been actively engaged in modifying the Hindu Marriage Act to afford protection to couples against any exploitation, according to Sindh Assembly Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza.
The bill would ensure registration of the marriage contract and also would provide a written document in case of dissolution, if needed by the couple.
Speaking at a session organised by the Aurat Foundation on Thursday, Shehla claimed the Sindh Assembly was the first of any of the provinces to form a caucus particularly focused on protecting rights of minority communities.
“The caucus in a brief period initiated three resolutions which were unanimously passed by the house.”
The deputy speaker also informed of the government’s efforts to rid the curriculum of hate material.
Aurat Foundation Resident Director Mahnaz Rehman in her presentation appreciated the commitment of a few Sindh Assembly members for promoting religious harmony in the province.
Erum Javed and Fareeda Tahir associated with the Religious Freedom Initiative Project of the organisation – focused on highlighting legislative changes needed by minority communities – spoke of the importance of providing legal protection to the communities, mainly to the marginalised sections. The caucus comprises Deputy Speaker Shehla Raza as its convener and patron-in-chief with MPAs Mehtab Akbar Rashidi, Shamim Mumtaz, Lal Chand, Paisu Mal, Irum Khalid, Dr Nand Kumar Gianchand, Khairunisa Maghal, Ponjho Bheel and Naila Muneer as members. MPAs Saira Shallwani and Shamim Mumtaz also spoke on the occasion.