Muslim men allowed to beat their wives in Pakistan - but only 'lightly'!

Chiqui Guyjoco Tuesday, May 31, 2016

The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has rejected an "un-Islamic" Protection of Women against Violence Act (PPWA) 2015 and introduced its own version in a 163-page proposal that allows Pakistani men to "lightly beat" their wives.

A Libyan Muslim campaigning for sharia law demonstrates in Tripoli's Algeria Square January 20, 2012. The sign reads: "Islam is a perfect religion, there is no need for any other law". | REUTERS/Ismail Zitouny

In a report by The Express Tribune on Thursday, May 26, some conditions that the CII has specified where husbands can beat their wives are when a wife: (1) defies his commands; (2) refuses to dress up as per his desires; (3) turns down demand of intercourse without any religious excuse; (4) does not take bath after intercourse or menstrual periods; (5) does not observe Hijab; (6) interacts with strangers; (7) speaks loud enough that she can easily be heard by strangers; and (8) provides monetary support to people without taking consent of her spouse.

The CII also suggested barring women from (1) co-education after primary education; (2) taking part in military combat; (3) welcoming foreign delegations, interacting with males, and making recreational visits with 'Na-Mehram; (4) (female nurses) taking care of male patients; and (5) working in advertisements.

According to The Washington Post, a CII official said that some changes in the proposal could still be made before it is submitted to the Punjab Assembly.

The proposed bill was widely criticized and mocked online by media and activists.

"It shows the decadent mindset of some elements who are part of the council," Pakistani human-rights activist, Farzana Bari, told The Washington Post.

"The proposed bill has nothing to do with Islam and it would just bring a bad name to this country," said Bari, who believes that CII's proposal is unlikely to become law.

Bari added, "Violence against women can't be accepted, and it's time for the nation to stand up to people who come up with such proposed laws."

Pakistan's Human Rights Commission condemned the counsel in an official statement released on Friday, May 27 where it said, "The 'advice' exposes the mindset of the zealots occupying the CII, who should be removed from their posts immediately.

"In fact, the body itself is redundant in the presence of adequate constitutional provisions that rule out the enactment of laws contrary to Islam. It is time it was disbanded."