LAHORE – Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid has hinted at ban ondisclosure of baby’s gender during pregnancy.

She on Saturday announced that a bill, regarding imposition of a ban ondisclosure of baby’s gender during pregnancy, would be tabled in theassembly soon.

She was addressing a seminar on “Ending Gender-Based Violence”, held underthe Punjab government auspices, in collaboration of UNWOMEN.

“I am sorry that some people manage to know about the sex of baby duringthe pregnancy and if it were not boy then they prefer abortion over normaldelivery,” she regretted.

“Remember the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had condemned this act. Islam providesequal rights to womanfolk. Let’s implement Islamic teachings in letter andspirit,” said the minister.

Extending her strong tribute to Prime Minister Imran Khan, she said that hewas the man who openly acknowledges the role of his mother, a woman, forhis success in practical life.

“Establishment of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital was proof of his love withhis late mother,” she added.

Yasmin reiterated that no society could move forward without empoweringwomen. She regretted that even women in developed countries like the USAwere not safe. Pakistan stands at number 6 in the list of countries wheregender-based violence was a common practice, she added.

The minister appreciated the UNWOMEN for joining hands with the Punjabgovernment to end violence against women.