ISLAMABAD, February 15: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday said that customs and practices like honour killings have nothing to do with the divine principles and theories of Islam. The Prime Minister stated in a meeting with renowned social activist and filmmaker Ms. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy at the Prime Minister’s House.The Prime Minister said that the revolution brought by Islam in the world manifested through the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the most successful movement for change of social reforms which has altered the course of history for all times to come. It was Islam which first recognized the rights of women. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif said that honour killings is a most critical issue and his government is determined to adopt all possible ways and means for removing this stain from our society. Women are the most essential part of our society and I believe in their empowerment, protection and emancipation for achieving the shared goal of a prosperous and vibrant Pakistan, added the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister further said that all concerned have already been directed for plugging the loopholes in the existing laws through stake-holders consolations, in order to eliminate honour killings from Pakistan. ‘Social evils can be overcome through an effective partnership between the government and the civil society’, urged the Prime Minister.The Prime Minister announced that the premiere of Ms. Chinoy’s documentary nominated for the 88th Academy Awards “A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness” will be held at the Prime Minister’s Office on 22nd February, 2016. Acknowledging the efforts of Ms. Chinoy, the Prime Minister wished Ms Chinoy success in the Academy Award for her film. Ms. Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy said that she is proud that Pakistan has a Prime Minister who has taken a leading role to address the issue of honour killings in the country. She also thanked the Prime Minister for supporting her endeavours to end honour killings in the country and revive the progressive image of Pakistan.The filmmaker appreciated the role of Ms Maryum Nawaz in helping the government in achieving its goals set in the sector of education. -DNA
