An update on this story from AP: “Rape law rankles some Pakistan lawmakers”
ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Lawmakers from a coalition of six Islamic groups threatened on Tuesday to vacate their parliamentary seats if Pakistan’s government changes a rape law criticized by human rights activists.
A walkout by the 68 lawmakers could destabilize the government of President Gen. Pervez Musharraf, criticized by Islamic parties since his ruling party last month presented a bill to amend the law in a bid to protect women’s rights.
Pakistan’s National Assembly has 344 members. A walkout could force by-elections.
Under the current law, approved by a former military dictator in 1979, prosecuting a rape case requires testimony from four witnesses, making punishment almost impossible because such attacks are rarely public.
The “four witness” standard comes from the Qur’an itself, a revelation Muhammad announced in response to accusations of adultery leveled at his wife, Aisha: “Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they produce not witnesses, they verily are liars in the sight of Allah.” (24:13).
A woman who claims she was raped but fails to prove her case can be convicted of adultery, punishable by death.
The Daily Times of Pakistan has reported that special committee negotiations over the bill decided to keep adultery under the Sharia jurisdiction, rather than allowing the option of proceeding in civil court.
Maulana Fazalur Rahman, a leader of the Islamic coalition, said Tuesday that lawmakers in his group would vacate their seats in the National Assembly if the government tries to get the assembly’s approval to change the law.
“We will render every sacrifice for the protection of the Shariah (traditional Islamic) laws,” he said at a news conference.
However, the ruling Pakistan Muslim Party — which has a majority in the assembly — has praised Musharraf for taking steps to amend the law and end the four-witness requirement.