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 Musharraf 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.
Pakistan is a democratic country, wherein women comprised half of its population. The plight of women rights in Pakistan is not satisfactory, but with the pace of time, the process of legal empowerment for women is in progression. The enforcement of laws lead towards safeguarding women rights more, which culminated into protection of women in a better way. In this study, the process of legal empowerment and protection of women rights has been evaluated in historical perspective. Women are fighting for their rights since colonial period. After creation of Pakistan, women are struggling for attaining more and more legal protection and empowerment. Laws are the reflection of the values of society. The military rulers who were always in quest of legitimacy repealed the laws to safeguard their own interests. which lessened the efficacy of these laws towards protecting women rights. The modernization of the society and awareness among the women compelled the elected Governments to take steps to repeal the discriminatory laws even Hadood Ordinance and honor killings. In Pakistan the lives of the women are governed more by the customs and values rather statutory laws. There are many factors responsible for the poor protection of women rights, lack of education, rigid values system, absence of proper implementation of the laws and complex judicial system.
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