Campaigning MP Ann Cryer believes good progress is being made in Pakistan in the fight to outlaw forced marriage and honour killings.

Speaking after a visit to the country, she said legislation was being considered by the Pakistan National Assembly to remove the right to claim, in mitigation, that honour killings were to defend family honour.

Pakistani president Pervez Musharraf is "leading the charge" condemning the practice of forced marriage, she added.

The Keighley MP is also seeking changes in the British law and wants an amendment to the Domestic Violence Bill currently going through Parliament.

She is calling on the Home Secretary to include the clause that aiding and abetting forced marriage, or coercing forced marriage, was a criminal offence.

While in Pakistan, Mrs Cryer met President Musharraf - the day after he escaped an assassination attempt.

The trip involved visiting Mirpur, the region where many of the district's Asian community come from, and the cities of Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.

She also met Cindy Parker, the British Consular official in Islamabad, who has developed links with a woman's refuge.

She has contact with Mrs Cryer and her office in Keighley to help Keighley girls escape forced marriage. Three girls sought help from staff at her office last Friday, Mrs Cryer said.

Mrs Cryer said: "Since Mr Musharraf has become President good progress has been made on women's rights, particularly in the regional government.

"Sadly, in the remote villages forced marriage and honour killings are still going on, but I came away very pleased with the changes."

It is now possible for Pakistan police officers to rescue a British girl on behalf of the High Commission.

In Britain, Mrs Cryer said, action to prevent forced marriage had to be brought about through the laws relating to false imprisonment or assault.

Her amendment to the Domestic Violence Bill would would send a message that cultural excuses were not acceptable, Mrs Cryer added.

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