Pakistan Votes In Favor To Amend Rape Laws

Influenced by rape case victims like Muktaran Mai and others, Pakistan's national assembly has voted to change the country's strict Sharia laws on rape and adultery.

Till date, rape cases in the conservative country were dealt with in Sharia courts, which made it mandatory for rape victims to have four male witnesses to the crime - if not they faced prosecution for adultery.

Now civil courts will be able to try rape cases, assuming the upper house and the president ratify the move.

The reform has been seen as a test of President Musharraf's stated commitment to a moderate form of Islam.

Religious parties boycotted the vote saying the bill encouraged "free sex".