Activists slam PCSW chairperson’s removal

Social media in furor over this development

LAHORE: Gender rights and human rights activists have lambasted Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for the arbitrary and sudden termination of Fauzia Viqar as chairperson of the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women (PCSW). In response to the termination, an online campaign with the hashtag #ReinstateFauziaViqar was also observed on social media.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) released a statement which said that the organisation is deeply concerned at the way Viqar, chairperson of the PCSW, has been removed summarily from her position by the government of Punjab. HRCP called for an immediate withdrawal of the notification and reinstatement of Viqar.

“The former chairperson is known to be a strong performer and effective defender of women’s rights. Given the already narrow confines in which human rights bodies operate, they must not be subjected to political expediency. Rather, human rights bodies must be allowed to function independently if they are to remain effectual,” the commission said.

Veteran activist Marvi Sarmad tweeted: “If you can't do anything good for the underprivileged classes, at least let the people do valuable work that they are doing. PTI has removed Viqar without giving any reason. Stop your politics destroying institutions.”



Digital Rights Activist Nighat Dad dubbed PTI’s decision to remove Viqar as “terrible news” on Twitter. She added that Viqar’s contribution to the institution and women’s rights is unparalleled and she hoped that the Ministry of Human Rights in Pakistan and Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari could step in and undo this wrong decision.

Viqar was terminated from the post through an order on May 21 while she was on ex-Pakistan leave. The decision was approved by the government.

Legal experts said the sudden termination is in violation of the Punjab Commission on Status of Women Act 2014. Section 7 stated that the chairperson may be removed from the office after a proper inquiry if she is found guilty of misconduct or she is adjudged as un-discharged insolvent or is unfit to continue in office.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 26^th, 2019.