Govt plugging legal loopholes to end honour killings: PM

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said the government was plugging loopholes in existing laws to stop the practice of honour killings in the country.

He was talking to renowned social activist and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy who called on him at the PM House. Social evils can be overcome through an effective partnership between the government and the civil society, the prime minister told Chinoy.

He termed honour killings as a critical issue and said his government was determined to adopt all measures to remove the stain from the society. “Women are the most essential element of our society and I believe in their empowerment protection and emancipation for a prosperous and vibrant Pakistan,” the prime minister said.

He said the customs and practices like honour killings had nothing to do with the divine principles of Islam, which was the first to recognise the rights of women. He said the social reforms brought in by Islam altered the course of history for all times to come.

The prime minister said loopholes in the existing laws would be plugged in consultation with the stakeholders. He announced that the premiere of Chinoy’s documentary nominated for the 88th Academy Awards ‘A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness’ would be held at the Prime Minister’s Office on February 22, a statement from the PM House said.

The prime minister wished Chinoy success in the Academy Award for her film. Chinoy said she was proud that the prime minister had taken a leading role to address the issue of honour killing in the country. She thanked him for supporting her endeavours to end honour killings in the country and revive a progressive image of Pakistan. The filmmaker appreciated the role of Maryam Nawaz, who also attended the meeting, in helping the government achieve its goals in education sector.Separately, the prime minister said Pakistan wanted to promote trade and economic relations with Bosnia.