Leaders from PML-N will move a resolution in the National Assembly today for the disapproval of the Anti-Rape Ordinance. According to an official document by the National Assembly Secretariat, members from the opposition will move against the Anti-Rape Ordinance.
The list comprises top PML-N leaders, including Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who is the former PM of Pakistan. It also includes Saad Rafiq, Ahsan Iqbal and Rana Sana Ullah Khan.
In addition to going against Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance 2020, the PML-N leaders will also disapprove of the Criminal Laws (Amendment) Ordinance.
https://twitter.com/laltainhiatus/status/1424991145956892701?s=20
Due to Pakistan’s increasing cases of sexual abuse, the PTI-led government promulgated the Anti-Rape Ordinance 2020.
As per the Ordinance, the government will set up special courts and an anti-rape cell under the new law. Each cell will also include the respective district police officer and health officer. Anti Rape Ordinance Implementation Committee will oversee the cells.
In addition, authorities will use modern devices for investigating rape cases.
Read more: Op-Ed: Dissecting Rape, Virginity Test, and Consent as a defence-plea
When the government initially announced special features of the Anti-Rape Ordinance, the Opposition expressed its concerns.
According to the Opposition, instead of setting up new courts, the government should empower the existing session courts.
Rana Sanaullah Khan of the PML-N, also a member, claimed that some people were unable to “digest” the independence of the judiciary.
“There are conspiracies being hatched by people sitting in different places and a 10-year package is introduced for retired judges,” he added.
“This bill [anti-rape] is malicious and it should not be passed by the committee,” he said.
Read more: Special courts established to conclude rape cases in 120 days
Reaction to PML-N opposing the Ordinance
According to Twitteratis, PML-N is playing petty politics by disapproving the Ordinance, as they have not given a satisfactory response as to why they are against the Anti-Rape Ordinance.
Social media users are accusing the PML-N leaders of promoting “rape apologists.” One Netizen even shared a previous video of Rana Sana Ullah Khan where he is allegedly giving justifications for acts committed against a victim.
Don’t be much surprised at the names, they’re the same who used to mock victims. https://t.co/SSOQjm2Mp1
— Virk Shahzaib (@VirkSh786) August 10, 2021
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