ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA) decided to challenge the constitutional validity of the controversial Shariat bill in superior courts.
The bill paving the way for making Pakistan an Islamic welfare state with the “Quran” and the “Sunnah” as the supreme law of the land was approved by the National Assembly Thursday night by a voice vote.
Before its passage the Islamic Jamhoori Etihad government was grilled by the PDA Mohajir Qaumi Movement (MQM) Pakhtoonwa Milli Awami National party and other opposition members who charged that the bill curbed the rights of women and minorities and did not provide protection to the Muslim family laws.
The PDA claimed that the bill was a divisive piece of legislation and clearly violated the constitution. Addressing the house Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif said the government move would lead to the establishment of an Islamic order that will ensure social justice rule of law and equal opportunities.
Article extracted from this publication >> May 24, 1991
