Protection of women rights through legal reforms in Pakistan

Abstract

This paper presents the status of women rights in Pakistan and protection of these rights under the umbrella of legal reforms. After independence the women of Pakistan played an active role in nation building activities as well for their own social uplift. International organizations played special attention towards the issue of women empowerment During Ayub Era Muslim Family Law Ordinance 1961 was promulgated which is regarded as a first step forward for the protection of women rights. During Zia regime discriminatory laws were introduced which disturbed the equilibrium between male and female in the society. These laws put a negative impact on the status of women. Women organizations protested against Hudood Laws and demanded to repeal it. During the period of Musharruf new laws were introduced for the protection of women rights(women Protection Act 2006),it is regarded as golden era in context of legislation made for women empowerment .The process of legal reforms is in progression .The women are still subjugated to many criminal acts like harassment at work place ,attempted rape and acid throwing. There is a need of devising effective implementation mechanism in true letter and spirit for the safeguard of women rights.