CII expresses reservations on Zainab Alert Recovery and Response Bill

LAHORE (92 News) – Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) on Thursday has expressed reservations on Zainab Alert Recovery and Response Bill. During press conference, CII Chairperson Dr Qibla Ayaz said the constitutional body has objections over the name of the bill and the definition of child in it. He also said the council deliberated over steps which should be taken to stop sexual harassment of children in its two-day meeting. “The Zainab Alert Bill is welcoming but the CII holds reservations over it as well. An intellectual sitting will be arranged regarding Aurat March. Umrah pilgrim can be limited upon the doctors’ advice,” he added. On Wednesday,  National Assembly (NA) has passed “The Zainab Alert, Recovery and Response Bill, 2020”. During the session, Federal Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari thanked all the parties for supporting the bill and making it approved from the assembly. “Zainab Bill will be implemented across the country,” she assured. On the other hand, Khawaja Asif said that this bill was made with the sincere efforts of the all political parties and this should be implemented properly. Shireen Mazari announce the passing of Zainab Alert Bill with senate’s amendments by the NA. Dr Mazari thanked the people who championed the bill and mentioned the name of Asad Umar for raising the issue in parliament’s previous session. The minister also mentioned that after signing of the bill by the President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, it will formally take the form of proper law. Under the bill, a helpline will be established to report missing children while an agency for issuing an alert for missing children, will also be set up. The bill has proposed the death sentence, life imprisonment or rigorous punishment for a term for people who abduct children.