Misguided beliefs prevail regarding women

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October 11th is remembered as International day for girl child by the United Nations (UN) adolescent task force. Six UN institutions like UNICEF, UNFPA etc are sole custodian of this campaign. Yet two civil society organisations took a non funded initiative and with the help of local philanthropy as well as Lahore Press club organised the day at their own. Federal Shariat Court ex-Judge and former Minister for Law Syed Afzal Haider presided the meeting while renowned PPP stalwart Member of Punjab Assembly Shukat Basrra, JAAG Executive Director Aamir Riaz, Bargad Executive Director Sabiha Shaheen, intellectual & writer Iqbal Haider Butt participated in the discussion. Afzal Haider in his detailed note explained the difference between out dated traditions, progressive traditions and religious message. He gave extensive examples from Quran and Hadith in favour of women rights. He told that even our women usually follow outdated traditions based on anti women mindset. Islam has protected women in so many ways and many for this he gave numerous examples from the life of Holy Prophet. He further told the audience that protectors of outdated traditions tried to hide behind Islam but in fact, their all acts including torture on their wives, sisters or daughters, refusing education rights to girls and marrying their daughter before reaching the age of puberty, are products of outdated traditions and have nothing to do with religion. His explanation of true message of Islam satisfied the audience yet there were many questions in the mind of youngsters. While responding to the question he he admitted that such enlightened message of Islam is not part of our curriculum. The statement was enough to understand the state of affairs in responsible institutions. MPA Shaukat Basrra told the audience that it was PPP last government who passed bill for protection of women yet the questions is of its implementation. At this point Aamir Riaz mentioned flaws even in the amended law of child marriage 1929. Saiqa Rani, Bisma Imran and many youngsters raised questions which depicted the confusion in the minds of our young generation. Shaukat basrra told civil society to raise such issues and also promised that he will also raise them in assembly. The program was a joint venture of JAAG, Initiative for Change and Bargad and was supported by Lahore Press Club.