MMA links issue of resignation with adoption of Women Bill

Islamabad, Sep 5 (UNI) In an expected political development, Pakistan's rightwing alliance Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) today linked resignations by their members from National Assembly and decision to part ways with coalition government in Balochistan with adoption of the Protection of Women Bill.

Earlier, the MMA had hinted at resigning from the federal and provincial legislatures in protest against active military involvement in national politics and the killing of Baloch nationalist leader Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti on August 26 during an army operation.

An MMA central leader Hafiz Hussein Ahmad justified the decision not to resign forthwith from the assemblies with possibility of the imposition of governor rule in Balochistan where the alliance is the ruling Pakistan Muslim League's coalition partner in the government.

He also said that the MMA also received a request from the combined opposition that there had to be collective decision to resign from assemblies.

MMA's decision to link resignations with the bill sprung surprise on many as majority of people all over Pakistan were expecting that the alliance would announce to resign from assemblies and the coalition government in Balochistan.

The Protection of Women Bill seeks to amend the controversial Islamic Hudood Laws that were promulgated by former military ruler Ziaul Haq in 1979 to win support of the country's religious right wing. One of the debatable provisions of the bill makes it compulsory for rape victims to produce four witnesses to their ordeal or face adultery charges.

Pakistan's leading human rights watchdogs and political parties have recommended repeal of the law, which is considered highly oppressive and discriminatory against women. But MMA opposes abrogation of the law and terms it as an attempt to interference in the commandments of God almighty.

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