Sharif meets filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy,pledges to end honour killings

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif met the Pakistan's Oscar-winning filmmaker Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy at the Prime Minister House in Islamabad and promised that his government would take steps to bring the practice of honour killings to an end.

The Dawn quoted Sharif, as saying that customs and practices like honour killings have nothing to do with the divine principles and theories of Islam.

He further said that it was Islam which first recognised the rights of women and was manifested through the life of Prophet Muhammad.

The premier further said that honour killings are one of the most critical problems that Pakistan is facing and the government is determined to adopt all possible ways to remove this stain from society.

He added that women are the most essential part of Pakistani society and he believed in their empowerment, protection and emancipation, as they contributed to the shared goal of a prosperous for a vibrant Pakistan.

The premiere of Sharmeen Obaid Chinoy's documentary, A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness, will be held at the Prime Minister's Office on February 22, Sharif announced.

Further, acknowledging Chinoy's efforts, the Prime Minister wished her success for her film, which was nominated in the 88th Academy Awards.

Chinoy also thanked the premier for supporting her endeavours to end honour killings in the country and revive the progressive image of Pakistan.