Pakistani women don’t get rights because of Indian traditions: PM Imran Khan

RAWALPINDI: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that the government has made laws that protect women’s rights but it is the society that has to implement them.

The statement came during PM Imran Khan’s address at a ceremony in Rawalpindi’s Fatima Jinnah University to celebrate International Women’s Day.

The premier said that most Pakistani women don’t get their rights and that is because the country has adopted traditions from India, where women were considered men’s property.

“Indian women used to be burned alive (Satti) with the body of her husband if he died,” he said.

Whereas Pakistan was created in the name of Islam which gives many rights to women, he added.

PM Imran said that as the laws have been created, the administration, women and everyone else has a role to play in raising awareness on women’s rights and their protection.

Shedding light on the increasing trend of second marriages, the PM said that a collective struggle is needed to stop men from abandoning their wives after they marry another woman.

“Women have separate rights in case of divorce,” PM Imran said while pledging to enforce relevant laws in the future.

Moreover, the premier said that women’s education is another matter that requires emphasis.

“Education is also important along with the protection of their rights.”

‘Won’t give NRO as long as I’m alive’

While commenting on the judicial system of Pakistan, the premier said that the biggest issue is the rule of law.

“The powerful desires NRO and threaten to topple the government if they don’t get it but I will not give them that as long as I am alive,” PM Imran Khan said as he criticised the former politicians of the country.

He said that his government is making efforts so that the rule of law prevails while “the powerful buys extension [from courts] in London.”

Referring to China’s accountability of ministers, PM Imran Khan said that China put its 450 ministers in jail but the powerful elements in Pakistan do not want to face the law.

“No matter what these robbers do, try as much as they can or plan any strategy, I am ready,” he said in reference to the joint Opposition’s efforts to table a no-trust motion against the incumbent government.

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