Body to review Hisba legalities

Staff Report

PESHAWAR: NWFP Chief Minister Akram Khan Durrani has formed a subcommittee to review the legal aspects of the Hisba Bill and its present status and demanded final recommendations within four days to set the course for approval of the draft law.

A provincial minister in the Durrani cabinet told Daily Times on Wednesday that it was decided at a meeting held at Frontier House in which Mr Durrani agreed to adopt ‘democratic process’ in this regard.

Various legal proposals were tabled to facilitate the smooth passage of the Bill, said the minister, who wished not to be named. The present status of the draft Bill and its legal aspects were discussed and the participants came out with consensus to wait for the final recommendations of the subcommittee that was directed to submit the final recommendations within four days and these recommendations would set out the future strategy for the Bill’s approval.

Mr Durrani said the Hisba Bill was one of the basics for the enforcement of Shariah in the province. “We have given a word to the people and we would never give it up,” he said. “The people had given a mandate to the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) for the enforcement of Islamic laws in the province. We would, within the limits of the provincial government, endeavour to take steps in consonance with the democratic procedure to keep our promise to the public.” Mr Durrani said with the enactment of Hisba Bill, the people would get ‘easy’ justice. “Certain people fear that once justice is provided to all without consideration of the social status of individuals, it would be a threat to their political survival.” He lashed out at certain politicians who opposed the draft bill. “Because it would raise the political stature of the MMA, the people’s confidence would get cemented in the MMA and that is simply not acceptable to the political weathercocks, which are more keen to their own interest rather than the interest of the people,” he added.

Mr Durrani gave assurance that his government would not play to the gallery. “Whatever steps, this government takes, would be in consonance with the people’s aspirations and this government would ensure that these are put on the ground.”

Senior Minister Sirajul Haq, Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Zafar Azam, Secretary Law Amir Gulab, Law Additional Secretary Mohammad Bashir, Justice Fida, Arbab Usman, Mehmood Shah Sherazi, Advocate General Barrister Jehanzeb, advocate Essa Khan, Mohammad Waris Khan, Umar Ali, and advocate Pir Liaqat attended the meeting.

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