IHC moved to appoint woman member in CII

ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Tuesday sought reply from Secretary Law and Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) over plea petition, seeking appointment of a woman as a member in CII.

The petitioner pleaded with the court to declare that at least one woman should be included in the CII for more diverse representation under Article 228 of the Constitution.

Petitioner's lawyer argued before the court that the absence of a woman member in the CII is contravention of Article 228. The counsel of the petitioner further argued that the CII should have at least eight and not more than 20 members. “The Council currently has 12 members but not a single woman among them,” Advocate Zainab Janjua said.

“The importance and urgency of such matters is underscored by the federal government’s recent recommendation that the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2021 having already been passed by the National Assembly, now be reviewed by the Council,” the petitioner said.

The petitioner said that this is just one example of the many instances where the Council would and has required a female perspective.

Petitioner’s counsel adopted that given the nature and impact of its functions, the CII be representative of a wide range of interests and backgrounds.