World | Pakistan
Government disregards some suggested changes to family law after clergy object
Following sharp criticism from clergy, the Pakistan government on Tuesday disowned some of the recent recommendations of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) regarding sweeping changes in family laws currently under practice in the country.
- By Fasihur Rehman Khan, Correspondent
- Published: 23:40 November 18, 2008
Islamabad: Following sharp criticism from clergy, the Pakistan government on Tuesday disowned some of the recent recommendations of Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) regarding sweeping changes in family laws currently under practice in the country.
The government ministers told parliament that some of the recommendations of council, especially regarding divorce registration, were objectionable and the government would send it back for review.
Country's Religious Affairs Minister Hamid Saeed Kazmi assured parliament that the council was not complete as it had no representation of ullema (clergy).
"The government will be sending the recommendations back to the council for review after its completion," he informed.
The Council, a constitutional body which advises the government on Islamic jurisprudence, currently comprises of eight members against the total strength of 20 which will also include religious (ullema) scholars.
The council, in its recommendations, had suggested recently that a divorce sought by a woman would go into effect if the husband fails to respond within 90 days. It had also recommended that first divorce by the husband would be registered following which second and third divorce would seal the fate of marriage.
Divorce papers should be registered in the same way as marriage certificate is filled, the council recommended. It also suggested that the bridegroom should declare his assets at the time of his first marriage, and give full details about his wife and children in case he desires a second wedlock.
The recommendations by the Council immediately sparked controversy as ullema representing majority sect (Ahle Sunnat) immediately rejected the proposed amendments in family laws, especially relating to marriage and divorce. Pakistan has the second largest Muslim population in the world after Indonesia. Majority of Muslim in Pakistan are Sunni followed by Shi'ite population - the second largest in the world after Iran. Different sects in the country differ on interpretation of Islamic laws and practice family laws according to the teachings of their own sects.
Law Minister Farooq H. Naek and Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr Babar Awan also assured the lower house of the parliament that only the House (National Assembly) can legalise and accept the recommendations of the council.
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