Those who clamour about the women’s rights should know that Islam made women members of Parliament 1400 years ago, while the woman got the right to vote in 1929 in the West. Dubbing the unrestrained freedom as rights is not correct. The exploitation of women in the name of tribal customs such as Karo Kari, marriage with the Quran, Vinni and Watta Satta continues 65 years since the inception of Pakistan. This is so because we have turned our back on our real values and teachings of Islam. People with narrow mindsets have kept women deprived of their rights in the name of religion, which is violation of the teachings of Islam.

These views were expressed by Ms Sumaira Rafaqat Advocate, Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran Women League, during his speech to a seminar organized in connection with the International Women’s Day at the central secretariat of MQI. She said that Islam bestowed respect and sanctity on the woman in every relationship so that she could contribute to the wellbeing of society in a constructive manner. Urging the women to play their due role in educational, economic and social domains within the limits prescribed by Islam, Ms Sumaria Rafaqat emphasized the need of affirmative action on the part of the state aimed at removing the policy impediments for their enhanced role in the national affairs. She said that MWL is working for the women rights in the world under the leadership of Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri.

Ms Sajida Sadiq, central naib Nazima, said in her speech that veil is not a hindrance in the way of her progress. Rather it is a source of confidence and strength. The women are faced with multiple issues and problems in the society today, which call for the government’s intervention.

Ms Ayesha Shabbir said that Islam gave full rights to women and it is now our responsibility to rouse awareness among the womenfolk to struggle. She said that women would have to organize themselves to play positive role for the Islamic message of peace, love and harmony in the world. They also need to awaken the public consciousness about their rights in the society. Ms Sadif Iqbal also spoke on the occasion.