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ISLAMABAD, Pakistan, Dec 6, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The president of Pakistan said he would push legislation that would ban selling women into marriage and end the practice of marrying women to the Koran.
President Pervez Musharraf, during a women's convention in Islamabad, announced plans to end controversial practices that deny women basic human rights. Among other things, the legislation would end the practice of giving women in marriage to settle disputes and would reform divorce laws, The Telegraph said Wednesday.
"A bill is being considered to remove unjust social practices against women and it should be passed by the parliament," Musharraf said. "The women's protection bill is just the beginning and it was a victory for the entire nation and a victory for moderates."
Musharraf's pledge followed his signing the Protection of Women Bill that amended the country's Islamic rape laws. That action sparked protests by religious fundamentalists.
The custom of marrying women to the Koran, still practiced in rural areas, is used by families who limit their daughters to an austere life dedicated to the religious book instead of a life with a partner and material possessions. Woman married to the Koran lose their right to inherit property.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
