The Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) has drafted a law abolishing the un-Islamic and inhuman custom of so-called marriage of a girl to the Holy Quran and recommended life imprisonment for persons involved in this practice. This practice, commonly known as 'Haq Bakhshwan,' is rampant in rural areas of Pakistan where feudal lords and other rich people deny the right of marriage to a woman just to preserve their property. The CII approved the draft bill in its 157th meeting. Official sources said the bill has been sent to the Ministry of Religious Affairs for its subsequent approval by parliament. The bill titled 'Pakistan Penal Code Amendment Act 2005' seeks amendments to section 295(b) of PPC which makes 'Haq Bakhshwan' a punishable offence whereby anyone involved in such practice would be liable to be sentenced to life imprisonment. According to the amendment whoever wilfully defiles, desecrates or damages a copy of the Holy Quran or allows the Holy Quran to be used for purpose of its marriage to a female or induces any person to swear on the Holy Quran never to marry anyone in her lifetime, shall be punishable with imprisonment for life.