It is clear that our laws do not protect women from the outdated and oppressive customs and practices
QUETTA: The recent killings of women who tried to ‘disobey’ men one way or the other reveal that laws do not safeguard them or grant them freedom of choice and treat them as equals. Of course, the mere existence or even implementation of laws does not necessarily make people accept values of justice, freedom and equality, unless they genuinely believe in such values. If we really want to establish a just and responsible society, instead of exploiting the oppressed majority for personal and political gains by making impractical laws for political gain and then cashing in on them, we have to improve our system. So far, our politicians have been formulating fruitless laws in an attempt to turn women voters in their favour. They have not come up with a suitable programme to root out old habits and practices, and promote new forms of behaviour, thus re-educating people. Once re-educated, people will regard honour killings and other similar practices as serious offences.
For now, it is clear that our laws do not protect women from the so-called guardians of outdated and oppressive customs and practices, even if they do exist on paper. What is happening today will continue to happen as far into the future as one can see so long as people do not respect freedom of choice for women and treat them as equals.
Niaz Betaab
Published in The Express Tribune, May 24th, 2016.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
