ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said that the government was plugging loopholes in existing laws to end honour killings in Pakistan.
He was talking to renowned social activist and filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy who called on him here at the Prime Minister’s House. The meeting was also attended by Maryam Nawaz and Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi. The Academy Award winning filmmaker recently launched a campaign against honour killings in Pakistan which was supported by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. During the meeting, the prime minister said that customs and practices like honour killings have nothing to do with the divine principles and theories of Islam.
Nawaz Sharif said that honour killings was a most critical issue and his government was determined to adopt all possible ways and means for removing this stain from our society. “Women are the most essential part of our society and I believe in their empowerment, protection and emancipation for achieving the shared goal of a prosperous and vibrant Pakistan,” he added. He further said that all concerned have already been directed for plugging the loopholes in the existing laws through stake-holders consolations, in order to eliminate honour killings from Pakistan.
Nawaz urged that social evils can be overcome through an effective partnership between the government and the civil society. He announced that the prime minister of Chinoy‘s documentary nominated for the 88th Academy Awards “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness” will be held at the Prime Minister‘s Office on 22nd February, 2016.
Acknowledging the efforts of Chinoy, the prime minister wished her success in the Academy Award for her film. Sharmeen Obaid said that she was proud that Pakistan has a prime minister who has taken a leading role to address the issue of honour killings in the country. She also thanked Nawaz Sharif for supporting her endeavours to end honour killings in Pakistan and revive the progressive image of the country.
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