Pakistani federal cabinet has approved "in principle" a draft bill for amendments to the Hudood laws, local newspaper The News reported on Thursday.

Information Minister Mohammad Ali Durrani said it has approved, in principle, the Criminal Law Amendment (protection of women) Bill 2006 for laying it before the National Assembly.

"However, a five-member committee headed by Law Minister Wasi Zafar would further review the Bill," he added.

The new laws would change the 27-year-old laws, said the minister, adding the new laws deal with amendments to the Hudood Ordinances, as the existing laws are controversial.

Hudood Ordinances, which was promulgated in 1979 by then President General Zia ul-Haq, stipulate harsh penalties for extramarital sex. The laws require a woman who claims she was raped to produce four pious male witnesses. Otherwise, she stands to be charged with adultery -- an offense that can carry a death sentence by stoning. The ordinances have also been used as a weapon against women who defy marriage choices made by their families.

"It will remove hurdles to the provision of justice to women," Durrani said.

The bill is expected to go before parliament next week. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz last week said the government would change laws where necessary to ensure justice and security for women and bring the legislation more in line with Islamic teachings.

Source: Xinhua