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                        <title>The Express Tribune</title>
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                        <description>The Express Tribune keeps you up to date with all the latest happenings from Pakistan and across the world!</description>
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			<title>France struggles with attitudes to violence against women</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1061381/france-struggles-with-attitudes-to-violence-against-women</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1061381/france-struggles-with-attitudes-to-violence-against-women#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Mar 16 04:34:22 +0500</pubDate>
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				<![CDATA[afp]]>
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			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1061381</guid>
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				<![CDATA[In France more than 86,000 women a year are victims of rape or attempted rape, but only 13 percent complain to police]]>
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				<![CDATA[A radio campaign detailing harrowing experiences and a call from President Francois Hollande to "face up to harassment" show that France still has much to do tackle the widespread denial of violence against women.

In one of the radio spots that began airing at the weekend, a woman identified as Anna describes how her husband Louis came into the bathroom as she was preparing to go to bed.

Teenage girl gang raped in Haripur

"He forced himself on me, he raped me. It was the start of a nightmare for me. I was too afraid to divorce, so I said nothing. But keeping silent for 30 years -- no-one should have to go through that."

The radio campaign has been organised by the Feminist Collective Against Rape, who are hoping victims who feel ashamed -- or somehow to blame for their own abuse -- can be encourage to speak out.

The group believes that in France more than 86,000 women a year are victims of rape or attempted rape, but only 13 percent complain to police and just one percent of those complaints leads to a conviction.

"Making people feel at ease with expressing themselves is the first step," said Marie-France Casalis, one of the Collective's leaders.

But due to the disparity between the number of suspected offences and the number that go punished, the group is calling for each complaint to be systematically investigated.

It also wants sex attacks to be classed as a crime and not merely an offence, which under French law carries lighter penalties.

In France, a rape -- defined as "any act of sexual penetration, regardless of its nature" that is committed "by violence, constraint, threat or surprise" -- is a crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

That can rise to 20 years if there are aggravating circumstances, such as rape by a partner, or the rape of a victim who is pregnant or suffering from an illness.

A study on the perception of rape in France, published last week by "Memoire traumatique et victimologie", a group that researches the psychological effects of violence, showed that worrying stereotypes persist.

For example, 24 percent of French people believe a forced act of oral sex is a sexual assault and not rape. Two out of five people believe the responsibility of the rapist is lessened if the victim is "seductive".

Another finding that provoked particular concern was that a third of people aged 18 to 24 believe that "women can get pleasure from being forced during sexual intercourse".

11-year-old girl raped in Faisalabad

"The rule of silence, impunity and an absence of recognition, as well as the abandoning of victims of sexual violence, still dominate," said Muriel Salmona, the head of the group that carried out the research.

To mark International Women's Day on Tuesday, President Hollande has taken to the pages of a women's magazine for the first time in his four years in power to admit that harassment of women is "scandalously trivialised" by French society.

He told Elle that verbal or physical harassment of women was a "mass phenomenon which must be faced up to because it attacks the very principles of living with others".

But is France really a country where "the sexist myth of a naturally violent sexual masculinity" persists, as the study on the perception of rape darkly concluded?

Francois de Singly, a sociologist, said: "Society puts on a pedestal the notion of virility, which contains a logic of the sort of violence you find in war, in competition and in sexuality. And no-one dares say that this virility should be condemned."

He wants a rethink in the way boys are educated in France because he believes that historically they have been brought up to believe that "force is legitimate".

"Behind the logic of rape, you find the logic of legitimate violence," he said.

De Singly also called for corporal punishment meted out by parents to be banned because he thinks it conditions children from a young age to believe that violence is legitimate.

France was criticised by the Council of Europe last year, which said its rules on smacking were not sufficiently clear compared to bans in many other European countries.

"Until physical punishment is banned, any speech hitting out at rape is hypocrisy," the sociologist said.]]>
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			<title>Four arrested for rape in Gilgit</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1038350/four-arrested-rape-gilgit</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/1038350/four-arrested-rape-gilgit#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Feb 16 17:03:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Gilgit Baltistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=1038350</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim knew one of her rapists]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[At least four men were arrested on Monday for raping a woman in the outskirts of Gilgit. The arrests were made after the woman registered a complaint regarding the incident with Danyor police station.

Speaking to The Express Tribune on Monday, Abdul Razik, Danyor police official, said the woman accused Islamuddin, who had promised to marry her, and his friends of raping her. “The incident occurred on Wednesday and the woman filed her complaint the following day,” Razik said.

A court has remanded the accused in police custody. “All the accused are behind bars and investigation is under way,” the official said.

Earlier, on Saturday, a five-year-old girl was brutally raped and left semiconscious in a deserted plot in Wazir Bagh within the jurisdiction of Yakatoot police station in Peshawar. She was found by her family members and shifted to Lady Reading Hospital.]]>
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			<title>16 Days of Activism: MPs, activists highlight systemic gender-based violence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/998400/16-days-of-activism-mps-activists-highlight-systemic-gender-based-violence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/998400/16-days-of-activism-mps-activists-highlight-systemic-gender-based-violence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Nov 15 16:19:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[our.correspondent]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=998400</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Parliamentarians, both men and women, asked to eliminate inequality, discrimination]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A study circle was organised by the Aurat Foundation (AF) in collaboration with Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) on Wednesday to mark the International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women.

The circle was held at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS). Participants included women members of the National Assembly, who are also members of WPC, women journalists and representatives of civil society.

The theme of the study circle was ‘Significance of 16 Days of Activism and Role of Parliamentarians in Elimination of Violence against Women’.

The gathering was intended to highlight the systemic nature of gender-based violence that encourages inequality and discrimination, and how women parliamentarians can play an effective role in its elimination.

MNA Tahira Aurangzeb said violence against women is not confined to any particular political or economic system, but it prevalent in every society in the world. A World Health Organisation report revealed that physical and sexual violence against women affects more than one-third of women globally, she added.

Prof Farkhanda Aurangzeb, AF’s director coordination and resource mobilisation, spoke on the significance of the ‘16 Days of Activism’ campaign and traced its historical perspective.

AF Director Advocacy Rabeea Hadi presented the history of the campaign and situation of violence in the country between January and June this year.

She said November 25 was declared a day against gender-based violence by the first Feminist Encuentro for Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Bogota, Colombia, in 1981.

The participants agreed on some daunting challenges and recommendations for their solution. They agreed that there was a notable absence of state response and larger framework that needs to strengthen institutional mechanisms, including gender crime cell, women caucuses, and a national policy framework on violence against women. They agreed on the need for male parliamentarians to be taken on board.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 26th,  2015.]]>
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			<title>Gender-based violence: Need for pro-women laws stressed</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/710573/gender-based-violence-need-for-pro-women-laws-stressed</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/710573/gender-based-violence-need-for-pro-women-laws-stressed#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 19 May 14 23:50:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[APP]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=710573</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Legislators demand registration of divorce be made compulsory.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Stressing the need for pro-women legislation, parliamentarians said violence against women was endemic in the country.      


They were speaking at the third meeting of the Women Parliamentarians Council (WPC), a forum of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).

Participants suggested making the national identity card compulsory
for marriage and demanded that registration of divorce should also be made compulsory.

Criticising the discriminatory treatment meted out to women parliamentarians, they said that women’s political empowerment and their meaningful inclusion in decision-making was fundamental for any constructive and sustainable democratic change in Pakistan.

While highlighting the plight of women prisoners, they suggested measures for economic rehabilitation to enable them to earn a living once they complete their sentence.

Earlier, SDPI Executive Director Dr Abid Qayum Suleri said that there was a dearth of research on various issues of national concern and think tanks should rigorously provide
support to parliamentarians to help them draft legislation.

“The SDPI is not only committed to providing research support to women parliamentarians but also planning to help them in drafting laws,” said Dr Suleri.

Findings of a research study on state of policies and legislations to curb violence against women (VAW) were also shared with the participants.

SDPI Deputy Executive Director Dr Vaqar Ahmed said that in the gender inequality index, Pakistan ranked 115 out of 140 countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 20th, 2014.]]>
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			<title>Stop leering: Police’s role in ending violence against women highlighted</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/705023/stop-leering-polices-role-in-ending-violence-against-women-highlighted</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/705023/stop-leering-polices-role-in-ending-violence-against-women-highlighted#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 May 14 23:33:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[news.desk]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=705023</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Complainants need to be given comfortable environment at police stations so they could lodge complaints without fear.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A civil society organisation held a training session with the Rawalpindi police on Tuesday, emphasising their role in ending the gender-based violence from the society.


The session was organised by the Potohar Organisation for Development Advocacy (PODA). Dr Parveen Ashraf, the facilitator, defined gender discrimination as an attitude or action that is taken with a bias towards individuals on the basis of their gender.

Associating certain professions with a particular gender is also an example of discrimination, said Noshaba Arif of PODA. The facilitator also explained the concept of sexual harassment at the workplace and the laws to curb such practices, adding that it is one of the most common issues faced by women.

On the role of the police, she said complainants need to be given a comfortable environment at the police stations where they could lodge their complaints without any fear.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7th, 2014.]]>
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			<title>Women’s rights: Activists, experts discuss effect of political instability on legislation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/324105/women%e2%80%99s-rights-activists-experts-discuss-effect-of-political-instability-on-legislation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/324105/women%e2%80%99s-rights-activists-experts-discuss-effect-of-political-instability-on-legislation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 19 Jan 12 14:54:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[rabia.mehmood]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=324105</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Following devolution to provinces, progress made for the cause appears to have been reset.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[In a country as politically unstable as Pakistan, women’s rights activists and experts say, adoption of legislation to protect women is only a first step towards the long struggle that lies ahead for empowering women.

“Passage of the Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill 2010 is just the first step and should be taken as just that, because devolution [under the 18th amendment] has left much to be desired in terms of implementation,” Valerie Khan, chairperson of the Acid Survivors Foundation, told a seminar on gender-sensitive legislation held in Lahore on Thursday.

Khan was a panellist at the seminar organised by NGOs Mumkin Alliance, an umbrella organisation of 16 member groups working against violence against women, in collaboration with South Asia Partnership – Pakistan. Representatives from across Punjab participated in the event.

Participants agreed that determining a mechanism to effectively implement a law’s provisions, particularly at the grassroots, is the biggest challenge in the fight against gender-based violence. Police behaviour and indifference of society towards violence against women were termed as other obstacles by grass roots activists and political workers.

“An implementation mechanism is not clearly determined when legislation is prepared and that is the one link which can help bridge the gap between law and its implementation,” said Salman Abid, regional director of the Strengthening Participatory Organisation. He said legislation on the issue had been regularly taking place but attitudes had remained entrenched. “The ‘woman question’ needs to be internalised and the matter needs to be taken up as a national cause rather than as a question of gender only.”

Greater female representation in parliament was termed a positive development, but absence of support at the grassroots level was identified as a hurdle.

“The presence of women parliamentarians has been a driving force behind gender-sensitive legislation,” said Mumtaz Mughal of the Aurat Foundation, citing research conducted by her organisation. “However, following devolution [of the subject of women’s rights] to provinces, delays have occurred in creating gender-sensitivity among relevant departments.”

Mughal used Punjab as an example where constant shuffled in bureaucracy have led to inordinate delays in the passage of a bill on domestic violence, which has been drafted and tabled in the Punjab Assembly. “The bill will protect vulnerable individuals, regardless of gender.”

“The Punjab government is committed to passing bills on violence against women, primary of these being the bill on domestic violence against women,” said Begum Zakia Shahnawaz, an adviser to the Punjab chief minister, who was the chief guest.

A consensus appeared among all participants on the significance of local bodies to ensuring implementation at the grassroots level.

“The Punjab government should appoint a woman provincial ombudsman who is authorised to receive complaints on violence against women,” suggested Justice (retd) Nasira Iqbal.

“Men have to help create a space where the debate for accepting women can be generated,” said Bushra Khaliq of the Wise. “A girl, from the moment she steps out of her house to acquire an education and throughout her career, struggles against obstacles put up by society.”

Violence appears to be acceptable behaviour in Pakistan, said executive director of SAP-Pakistan Muhammad Tehseen Shah.

Grassroots activists raised the question of a lack of awareness about legislation among the activists themselves. Workers from women wings of various political parties, namely Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf, participated in the seminar as well and criticised the ineffective implementation of laws.]]>
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			<title>CM takes notice of alleged G-B rape case</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227942/cm-takes-notice-of-alleged-g-b-rape-case</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227942/cm-takes-notice-of-alleged-g-b-rape-case#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 11 04:47:10 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=227942</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Chief minister criticised Rondu valley’s SHO for being unable to trace the case.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) Mehdi Shah has taken notice of the alleged gang-rape incident as he met the victim belonging to Rondu valley, who earlier recorded her statement before the court denying that she was raped.


The woman and her brother called on the chief minister in Gilgit after appearing before the court. Shah said the aggrieved woman couldn’t stop crying during the meeting. “It’s a shocking situation indeed,” he said, while directing police to fully comply with the court’s orders to reveal elements that were trying to bury the case, while also asking police to provide security to the woman.

According to sources, the chief minister criticised Rondu valley’s SHO for being unable to trace the case. Officials also denied reports that  the chief minister had announced that the victim be given monetary compensation.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 10th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Rape, mutilation: Pakistan's tribal justice for women</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227443/rape-mutilation-pakistans-tribal-justice-for-women</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227443/rape-mutilation-pakistans-tribal-justice-for-women#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 11 05:11:08 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[reuters]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=227443</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan's tribal justice system is instinctively unsympathetic to women.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[On April 14, two men entered Asma Firdous' home, cut off six of her fingers, slashed her arms and lips and then sliced off her nose. Before leaving the house, the men locked their 28-year-old victim inside.

Asma, from impoverished Kohaur Junobi village in Pakistan's south, was mutilated because her husband was involved in a dispute with his relatives, and they wanted revenge. Her fate is familiar in parts of Pakistan's remote and feudal agricultural belts, where women are often used as bargaining chips in family feuds, and where the level of violence they face is increasing in frequency and brutality.

At the hospital in a nearby Multan town, Asma's shocked parents sat quietly by her bedside and struggled to explain what the future holds for their now disfigured daughter. "I don't know what will happen to her when she leaves here," Asma's father, Ghulam Mustafa, said, in a dilapidated ward heavy with the smell of antiseptic and blood, where other women, doused with acid or kerosene by relatives or fellow villagers, awaited an equally uncertain future. Asked if Asma will return to her husband, her father remains silent.

(Read: Plight of Pakistani women)

Pakistan is the world's third-most dangerous country for women, after Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo,based on a survey conducted by the Thomson Reuters Foundation. In its 2010 report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said almost 800 women were victims of "honour killings" --murders aimed at preserving the honour of male relatives -- and 2,900 women reported raped -- almost eight a day. The bulk, or almost 2,600, were raped in Punjab alone,Pakistan's most populous province.

And the numbers are rising: media reports say crimes against women have risen 18 percent in the year to May and the HRC believes its figures represent only a fraction of the attacks which take place across the country.

Dr. Farzana Bari, director of Gender Studies at Quaid-e-AzamUniversity, says Pakistan's patriarchal society often condones discrimination against women, which is more prevalent among poor and uneducated rural families.

That mindset can often influence the police and judiciary, which sometimes turn a blind eye to honour killings or rapes carried out to "punish" women.  "I think honour killings are a symptom of vigilante justice,"  she said. And vigilante justice occurs in anenvironment where the state is unable to enforce its writ."

Tribal justice

In rural areas, women are often shut out of the justice system, which is compromised by powerful landowners and feudal lords who dominate a hierarchy that makes it difficult -- and deadly -- for those with little education or social standing to speak out. Families or tribes then often take justice in their own hands, presiding over "jirgas" or "panchayats" -- gatherings of elders that hand down punishments that include rape, killing or barter of women for crimes that include falling in love with a man deemed inappropriate or besmirching family honour. Some women are maimed just to settle scores.

Members of the panchayat systems say the tradition is hard to shake because it is entrenched in the local culture and also because it is much more efficient than the regular courts. "In the settled areas there are courts but people can't always get justice or compensation," said lawyer and tribal elder Karim Masoud, who presides over both panchayat settlements and the mainstream court system. "With the jirgas, they can get compensation, and it takes less time to settle a dispute. It's fairer and people don't have to use bribes to get justice."

Zarmuhamad Afridi, who also attends jirga rulings in Pakistan's northern tribal belt and works within the mainstream court system, said the jirga system survives because in many parts of Pakistan, a man's honour is intrinsically linked to how his wife or daughter behave.  "If a couple is not married and they are having a relationship, a jirga may rule that the woman should be shot," Afridi said. "That is okay for many, because they have to protect family honour."

The slightest transgression by a woman -- being seen talking to a man on the street, perhaps, or having an unknown phone number in a mobile -- can bring harsh punishment and social ostracism of the family, he says, making the quick, harsh judgment of the panchayats popular. "Women are cherished here," he said. "Men protect them. If a woman is out of her house then what is she doing? That is what people think here."

Many women are unable to speak out because they lack the support and education to understand their rights, activists say.  But even those who dare often get nowhere. The most high profile instance of a violent ruling by a tribal court against a woman is that of the gang rape of Mukhtaran Mai, which took place near Multan in 2002. Mai was allegedly attacked to settle a matter of village honor, as decided by a panchayat. She was then paraded naked through her village.

Unlike most rape victims, who face stark recriminations for speaking out, and who are sometimes even expected to commit suicide, she filed a criminal case against 14 men. Six men were convicted and sentenced to death that year, but in 2005 the Lahore High Court commuted one sentence to life in prison and acquitted the rest.	    Pakistan's Supreme Court upheld that decision in April this year, in what rights activists said was a crushing blow towomen's and minority rights in Pakistan. The men were released days later. Mai said she is afraid they will return and kill her.

Ali Dayan Hasan, senior researcher at Human Rights Watch's South Asia division, said the lack of justice for women in cases like such as Mai's is "a structural failing of the criminal justice system". "The verdict also lays bare the misogyny of Pakistan's judicial system because it is a judiciary that is instinctively unsympathetic to women."

&nbsp;]]>
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			<title>Woman tells court she wasn’t gang-raped</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227146/woman-tells-court-she-wasn%e2%80%99t-gang-raped</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227146/woman-tells-court-she-wasn%e2%80%99t-gang-raped#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 11 04:23:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=227146</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The woman said that a political rivalry could have led to publishing of the news reports.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[An alleged gang-rape victim from a village near Skardu told the Gilgit-Baltistan Supreme Appellate Court (SAC) on Monday that she wasn’t subjected to rape, court sources said.


Taking suo motu action last week after publication of news reports about the rape of a woman from the remote village of Rondu by a ‘gang of influential people’, the region’s apex court asked the IGP to submit a detailed report on Monday.

However, during proceedings held at the SAC today, the woman told the court that she had not been raped. The woman, who was accompanied by her brother and several relatives, said that a political rivalry could have led to publishing of the news reports, which had nothing to do with her.

Justice Mohammad Nawaz Abbasi was infuriated upon hearing this statement and took strong exception to the publication of a fake story by a local newspaper. “The publication of fake news (reports) in the paper is tantamount to disrespecting the woman,” the court adjudged, adding that the paper must compensate the victim for defaming her or face court action.

The court ordered those present in the room to leave for sometime so that judges could talk to the victims in privacy. Later orders were compiled and the hearing was adjourned.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Gang rape: Rape accused try to abduct girl for filing complaint against them</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227180/gang-rape-rape-accused-try-to-abduct-girl-for-filing-complaint-against-them</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/227180/gang-rape-rape-accused-try-to-abduct-girl-for-filing-complaint-against-them#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 11 19:36:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=227180</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Beenish said police officials were trying to get her to drop the case.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[An 18-year-old girl, who was allegedly gang raped in Muzaffargarh said that her rapists had attacked her again after she filed a case.

According to police officials, a group of armed men allegedly abducted an 18-year-old girl and held her in illegal confinement and raped her. They attempted to kidnap her again after learning that she had filed a case against them.


Police officials have not yet arrested the accused.

According to Ghalwaan Police, the incident occurred several days ago when Tehsil Alipur resident Zahir Hassan’s daughter Beenish Fatma was allegedly abducted by Saleem, Zubair, Tauseef and Saad after the accused called her out of the house. “They asked to see my father and when I went outside to tell them he wasn’t home they kidnapped me,” Beenish told reporters.

Beenish said that she was locked in a room for six days and raped by the four men. “I was released two days ago and they threatened me. One of them was dressed in police uniform and he said that if I tried to file a case they would kill me,” she said.

On Saturday, Beenish registered a case against the accused with Alipur City police. “The police tried to force me and my family into mediation.

First they tried to get me to take back the case and they completely denied any involvement of a police official,” she said.

Beenish said that after she had filed the case and left the police station, her rapists were waiting for her at the corner of the street. “They tried to abduct me again and got me to sign some blank documents,” she said. “Some people saw what happened and chased after them but they managed to escape,” she added. “They hit me and tore my clothes in the street but I was lucky that some people hurried to help me,” she said.

Beenish and her family filed another case against the accused and have appealed for police protection. Zahir Hassan said that the police was not investigating the accused because they were well connected. “They have given us protection but they are still trying to get us to drop the case. They kept telling my daughter that she wouldn’t be safe until she dropped the case,” Hassan said.

The names of the victim, her family and the accused have been changed to protect their identity

Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Gang-rape victim denies incident: Police</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/225953/gang-rape-victim-denies-incident-police</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/225953/gang-rape-victim-denies-incident-police#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 07 Aug 11 05:25:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shabbir.mir]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=225953</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Officials say she maintains she was never sexually harassed, and believe she may not be ‘of sound mind’.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[According to police officials the victim whose alleged gang rape invited a suo motu notice by Gilgit-Baltistan’s (G-B) Supreme Appellate Court (SAC), on Saturday denied that the incident ever happened.


“She recorded her statement with the police saying that she hadn’t been raped, let alone gang-raped,” a senior police official told The Express Tribune on condition of anonymity.

He went a step ahead to state that the woman, who was in protective custody, did not appear to be “of sound mind”.

The police official further claimed that the woman was not under pressure to change her statement. He said her previous statement might have been politically motivated, adding that they would present the report to the SAC in compliance with the court’s orders.

The G-B SAC took suo motu action on Friday after regional newspapers ran the story of the gang rape of a woman from the remote village of Rondu, Skardu. According to media reports, the woman was subjected to rape for a period of five days by a gang of ‘influential persons’ a couple of weeks ago in Skardu.

The SAC had ordered the Inspector General Police to submit a detailed report to the court on Monday.

The official said that several villagers continued to gather outside the police station, condemning the “shameful act”.

He said the police have tried to convince the locals to return home since the matter is pending before the region’s superior court.

 

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 7th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Dismal stats: ‘Offences against women up by 18pc’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/225341/dismal-stats-%e2%80%98offences-against-women-up-by-18pc%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/225341/dismal-stats-%e2%80%98offences-against-women-up-by-18pc%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 06 Aug 11 11:17:59 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=225341</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Cases of forced marriages and sexual harassment went up by 42 per cent and 17 per cent respectively.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[Crimes against women, including forced marriages and sexual assaults, registered an increase of 18 per cent over a period of one year, according to a comparison of cases registered in 61 districts across the country.

Based on comparison of number of police reports in 61 districts, the number of reported crimes increased from 849 in May 2010 to 999 in May 2011, according to a Fafen report released on Friday. Attacks on modesty increased the most during the reported year as 58 per cent more cases were registered compared to May 2010. Cases of forced marriages and sexual harassment went up by 42 per cent and 17 per cent respectively. However, cases registered against rape, honour killings and offences against marriage decreased by 25, 17 and 1 per cent, respectively, the report highlighted.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>6-Year-Old Raped: Family protests against police</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/224683/6-year-old-raped-family-protests-against-police</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/224683/6-year-old-raped-family-protests-against-police#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Aug 11 02:00:58 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=224683</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[instead of arresting the accused, the police have been forcing the family to mediate with the accused.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[SHORKOTFamily of a six-year-old girl protested in front of the press club in Dunyapur when the police refused to arrest the accused. The girl, a resident of Shorkot, was allegedly raped by Javed. The girl’s mother filed submitted an application with the Dunyapur police, but the accused was still at large. The mother said that instead of arresting the accused, the police have been forcing the family to mediate with the accused. The family demanded the chief minister provide them with justice.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 5th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Living in oppression: In K-P, cases of violence against women increase</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/219678/living-in-oppression-in-k-p-cases-of-violence-against-women-increase</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/219678/living-in-oppression-in-k-p-cases-of-violence-against-women-increase#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jul 11 02:06:52 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[mahwish.qayyum]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=219678</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[389 cases reported in the first six months of 2011, against 342 in the same period last year: report.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The first six months of 2011 showed a marked increase in cases of violence against women, with 389 cases reported against 342 in the same period last year.


This was stated by Policy and Data Monitor on Violence against Women Project Regional Coordinator Shireen Javed during the launch of a bi-annual report on “Situation of Violence against Women in K-P” on Thursday. The project is being run by Aurat Foundation, a non-governmental organisation that works “for women’s issues and for good governance in Pakistan”, according to its website.

Out of the 389 reported cases, 246 were reported from rural areas, while 140 cases were reported from urban centres. The information on the remaining three cases is not known.

The report says that 149 cases have been reported from Peshawar and its adjoining areas, while 50 cases have been reported from Mardan district. Apart from that, 43 cases from Nowshera, 20 cases from Charsadda and 16 from Swat have also been reported.

The report also revealed that out of the 389 cases, 179 cases of murder were reported, while 81 cases of domestic violence, 28 cases of kidnapping, 41 cases of suicide, 14 honour killing cases and three rape cases were reported. The remaining 43 cases were of “miscellaneous nature”.

Javed said the motives behind the cases were mostly family and property disputes, suspicions of illicit relations, refusals of marriage proposals, forced marriages and old enmities.

According to the report, the police registered First Information Reports (FIR) in 259 cases; no FIRs were registered in 82 cases while no information is available on the remaining 48 cases.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Salahuddin said that the trend of violence against women is increasing at a rapid rate, and the authorities have completely ignored the issue. “Women are not only physically harassed, but they are mentally tortured as well,” he added.

He said the majority of the cases of violence were not registered due to social taboos, and urged women to raise their voices and stand against injustices against them.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and The Thompson Reuters Foundation, Pakistan ranks third on the list of most dangerous countries for women, with more than 1,000 women targeted in ‘honour’ killings cases every year, and 90 per cent of women facing domestic violence.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Women safer in 2010 than in 2009: Report</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/203424/women-safer-in-2010-than-in-2009-report</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/203424/women-safer-in-2010-than-in-2009-report#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 11 04:24:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[ali.usman]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=203424</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Aurat Foundation statistics say violence against women down by 6.41%.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As foreign reports claim that Pakistan is among the least secure countries for women, local NGO Aurat Foundation reports that violence against women decreased by 6.41% in 2010 compared to figures from 2009.


The NGO’s report, titled Violence Against Women in Pakistan 2010, revealed the ‘surprising’ fact that 8,000 cases were reported across the country in 2010 against 8,548 cases in 2009.

According to the report, Lahore is the most violent city against women with 1,089 reported cases. Out of these cases, 521 comprised kidnappings, two acid attacks, 28 domestic violence, 110 rape, 19 honour killings, 109 murders, seven sexual assaults, 76 suicides, three burnings and 214 incidents of custodial violence, torture, trafficking, child marriage and attempted murder.

The other top nine districts where cases of violence were reported include Faisalabad, Sargodha, Sheikhupura, Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Kasur, Okara, Multan and Sialkot respectively.

Murder cases in the country, however, showed an increase from 1,384 in 2009 to 1,492 in 2010.  Of the murder cases, 758 occurred in Punjab, 328 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 308 in Sindh, 27 in Islamabad and 15 in Balochistan. During 2010, 557 women are reported to have been killed for honour compared to 604 cases in 2009. The highest number of honour killings (266) was reported in Sindh.

During the year, 2,296 incidents of abduction were reported across the country of which 1,890 were from Punjab. This figure constitutes 82.32% of the total number of abduction and kidnapping cases of women in the country.

The NGO’s officials, however, said that since Punjab has the largest population, the percentage of incidents of violence in Punjab was more or less the same as in other provinces. The maximum number of abductions in Pakistan took place in Lahore, where 521 women were kidnapped.

The report also said that violence against women was the main drive behind suicide and 663 women reportedly committed suicide in Pakistan during 2010 while 683 cases were reported in 2009.

Nine hundred and thirty-seven incidents of rape/gang rape were reported in the country in 2010, out of which 741 took place in Punjab. The report also showed 32 cases of acid attacks on women, a decline from 52 cases recorded in 2009.

According to the report, police cases were registered in 76.31% of all reported cases, no case was registered in 15.11% of the cases while no record could be found of the remaining 8.58%.

Sources of data collection include news reports, First Information Reports, monitoring cells and citizen committees.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Violence against women: Reported cases continue to grow, devolution raises hope</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/203246/violence-against-women-reported-cases-continue-to-grow-devolution-raises-hope</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/203246/violence-against-women-reported-cases-continue-to-grow-devolution-raises-hope#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Jul 11 00:56:27 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=203246</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Provinces say ‘considerable’ progress made in spreading awareness on laws against sexual harassment at workplace.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[As the stakeholders are pinning hopes on post-18th amendment setups to curb violence against women, the incidents of harassment and sexual abuse at workplaces are on the rise.


This situation has been depicted in reports prepared separately by two organisations campaigning for women rights and devolution of women ministry.

“The situation is deteriorating as the number of incidents of violence against women is on the rise,” says a report launched by Aurat Foundation on Tuesday.

Some experts, however, believed that a major factor for this was increasing awareness on the issue, which was leading to reporting of more cases.

On the other hand, the National Implementation Watch Committee (NICW) held its sixth meeting on implementing the laws against sexual harassment at workplace. After the 18th amendment, the implementation of these laws has become a provincial subject; the committee discussed the issue with representatives of various provinces. The officials responded by saying that development on the issue was “considerable”.

Violence continues to grow

Policy Data Monitoring Programme-Violence Against Women (PDM-VAW) of Aurat Foundation launched its third annual report titled “Violence against women in Pakistan: A Qualitative Review of Statistics for 2010” at a seminar in Islamabad.

Rabeea Hadi, National Coordinator PDM-VAW, during her welcome note said that positions of the 50 districts that top the list of rate of violence have remained unchanged since 2008.

In 2010, 8,000 incidents of violence against women were reported; 5,492 cases were reported from Punjab, 1,652 from Sindh, 650 from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), 79 from Baluchistan and 127 from Islamabad. The figures of Islamabad are alarming given the small population and high security in the capital.

Ehsan Sadiq, an expert, in his presentation said that although the situation of violence against women is not encouraging, the fact remains that most such cases get reported now, which will “surely” help bring down the number of such cases.

However, No FIR was registered in a large number of incidents, reflecting peoples’ lack of confidence in police, the report said.

Anis Haroon, Chairperson National Commission on the Status of Women, in her concluding remarks, said that mega violence in Pakistan, like terrorism, is one major reason why the issue of violence against women is swept under the carpet.

Provincial setup breeds hope

In NIWC’s meeting, each of the four representatives of K-P, Punjab, Balochistan and Sindh said that they had made “considerable” progress in raising awareness about the laws against sexual harassment at workplace.

While sharing the progress from K-P, Muhammad Imtiaz Ayub, Director Social Welfare and Women Development, said that social welfare and women development department has constituted committees in their departments that are headed by additional secretaries. The code of conduct has been printed and displayed within the departments to ensure that everybody is aware of the mechanism in place.

The report from Women’s Development Department Sindh was more overwhelming. Musarrat Jabeen, Deputy Secretary Women Development Department Sindh, said that harassment committees have been formed in 10 line departments affiliated with the Sindh govenrment in four districts. She added they have put up billboards, made brochures and posters that they have distributed in all universities in Sindh and the line departments in four districts.

From Balochistan, Salma Qureshi, Additional Secretary, Standing Committee on Ministries, Women Development Department, said their department has conducted training sessions for government officials, judiciary, women parliamentarians, non-governmental organisations and police officers. The government has also constituted departmental committees to address harassment cases.

Punjab’s representative Sajjad Sipra, Director Women’s development, said Punjab government is in the process of finalising a Provincial Ombudsman. He said the NIWC has briefed almost 1,350 teachers about the anti-harassment act and its complete implementation mechanisms.

Dr Fouzia expressed her satisfaction over the initial activities and offered full support to the provinces in the future.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 6th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Violence Against Women: WPC condemns brutal incidents in K-P</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/201362/violence-against-women-wpc-condemns-brutal-incidents-in-k-p</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/201362/violence-against-women-wpc-condemns-brutal-incidents-in-k-p#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 03 Jul 11 02:20:49 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=201362</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[44 cases of violence against women were reported from five districts of Hazara between January and May this year.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) on Saturday expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of violence against women in K-P and demanded strict actions to be taken to curtail such incidents in the future. In a statement to media, Dr Nafeesa Shah, Secretary WPC, expressed concern on the behalf of members of the WPC over increasing incidents of honour killings, kidnappings of women and increasing incidents of domestic violence against women in the province. Dr Shah revealed that according to Human Development Organisation 44 cases of violence against women were reported from five districts of Hazara between January and May this year.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, July 3rd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>VS Naipaul, Dominic Strauss-Kahn and misogyny in general</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/200411/vs-naipaul-dominic-strauss-kahn-and-misogyny-in-general</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/200411/vs-naipaul-dominic-strauss-kahn-and-misogyny-in-general#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 11 17:35:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[urvashi.butalia]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=200411</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Whether it is in India or Pakistan, there are terrible incidents of violence against women every day and every hour.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[In the last few weeks, I have been continually harassed by people in the media asking for a comment or reaction on VS Naipaul’s recent statement about women writers not being serious and writing, as he describes it in his very English way, mainly “tosh”. A few weeks ago, there was another such instance of outrageous but entirely predictable male behaviour when Dominic Strauss-Kahn was accused of molesting a maid in a hotel in New York, and this, too, resulted in media people ringing and asking for comments.

The questions media people asked had a striking sameness to them. What did I think of Naipaul’s statement? What did I think of the maid’s allegations? Were women writers really inferior to men? Could the maid have been making up the story of sexual harassment? Could she have been a victim of political manipulation given that DSK, as he is known, was a prime candidate for the French presidency? And so on.

I wasn’t at all surprised at being asked these questions, the media always want a ‘bite’ for their programmes or their articles and any such incident is an immediate provocation for the building up of a story — even when there isn’t really one. But I was surprised at my own reluctance to answer them — there was a time I would have been incensed by statements like Naipaul’s or behaviour like Strauss-Kahn’s (for no matter what the truth of that particular incident, DSK is well-known for his attitude towards women) and I would have spoken out against them.

But now, reading about DSK and Naipaul, I only felt a terrible sense of weariness, and in some ways even a sense of despair — when, I wondered, will we stop doing the same old same old, and when will men start becoming respectful of women? There is a strange way in which our responses to such incidents are very revealing — if you don’t feel angry at something any more, it is not always because the anger is gone but also because it’s been overlaid with something else, in my case a weariness and sometimes even a sense of hopelessness.

Apart from feeling weary at being asked such questions, I also now feel both disturbed and disappointed. The media, for example, rush to ‘experts’ or those in the know on this or that issue to ask them for a comment or a reaction. But there is seldom, if ever, or almost never, a time when they will ask a man to comment on what they see as a ‘women’s issue’. Somehow, issues involving women are seen to be limited only to women. The fact that Naipaul has made derogatory statements about women writers should surely be a matter of concern for everyone, male and female, writers and everyone else.

And yet, at least in the Indian media, virtually all the opinions sought come from women — I haven’t seen a man make a strong statement against Naipaul’s sexist remarks. A few years ago, when Naipaul made similar derogatory remarks about Muslims, there was a furore across the world. Not so for women.

In some ways, I think this is because we live in an increasingly misogynistic world. Look around you — whether it is in India or Pakistan, there are terrible incidents of violence against women every day and every hour. If a woman dares to love someone of her own accord, best to shoot her. If she does not respond to your advances, shoot her. Or throw acid on her face, disfiguring her and ruining her for life.

A few days ago, a group of women from different parts of India made a series of presentations to a government committee on a law that was enacted in 1983. Titled 498A, this law is the only safeguard women have against cruelty in the home, particularly domestic violence and dowry abuse. It’s a criminal law and the perpetrator of cruelty (which is very carefully defined in the law) can be arrested on a non-bailable warrant and thrown into jail.

Although a very significant piece of legislation, it hasn’t been widely used, partly because — as is well known — women are reluctant to make reports to the police on what they see as their private and ‘domestic’ concerns. Another reason is that women think 10 times before making a complaint about their domestic situations because they know that often for them there is no other recourse. There is no place for them any longer in their natal homes.

And yet, the government has been considering changing or even doing away with this law because they have received a number of petitions from people who claim it is being ‘misused’ by women to have innocent people arrested, to carry on liaisons with their pre-marriage lovers and to destroy the family.

These are clearly preposterous claims but they have found some purchase only because people are always ready to believe the worst of women (for example, there is no law that does not get misused, but misuse of a law does not mean the law itself is faulty, the problem lies elsewhere). Despite the fact that domestic violence is widespread in the world and it kills more women than perhaps any other form of murder, its seriousness as a crime against women does not get recognised.

And this is what my despair is about. For the media, Naipaul and DSK are stories. There is little recognition of the injustice towards one half of the human race that they represent. There’s little recognition of the battles women have waged, not only on their behalf, but on behalf of the world’s children, their families, their friends and comrades.

If this is what the situation is like in the twenty-first century, who knows what it will be a few years hence? Feminists often say the clock cannot be turned back, that once the path of feminism and the emancipation of women has been chosen, there is no going back. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, one can only hope this is true.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2nd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Speakers troubled by rise of lawlessness</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/200067/speakers-troubled-by-rise-of-lawlessness</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/200067/speakers-troubled-by-rise-of-lawlessness#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 11 00:58:43 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=200067</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Seminar on torture highlights lack of oversight of agency investigations.]]>
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				<![CDATA[To mark the International Day, held on June 26, in support of Victims of Torture, a seminar, Fight against Torture in Custody, was organised by the Initiative for Peace and Freedom (IPF) and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) on June 30. The seminar was held at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP).


IA Rehman spoke about the importance of respecting both national and international law and the rise of lawlessness across the country. He said that extra judicial killings are rising and no serious action is being taken against them. Rehman said a confession in front of the police had no legal value.

Hussain Naqi, journalist and activist, said that although Pakistan had signed the United Nations Convention Against Torture which had been ratified, it still violated the convention.

HRCP legal adviser Mahboob Ahmad Khan said that violence against women, children and minorities is also a dangerous trend and the weak are regularly exploited.

Rabea Bajwa said, “There is no legislation which looks at the manner in which intelligence agencies carry out their investigations. This gives the agencies a carte blanche. A strong political movement needs to be initiated to address the methods of obtaining information during an investigation.

Bajwa criticised the government for failing to provide basic human rights. She blamed the lawlessness in the country on the ruling class.

Shafiq Dogar, a Sargodha citizen, shared his experience of police torture against his family. He said, even after court orders, there had been no action.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 1st, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Mardan stoning, Neelor Bala disrobing: NCSW concerned with authorities’ inaction</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/195078/mardan-stoning-neelor-bala-disrobing-ncsw-concerned-with-authorities%e2%80%99-inaction</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/195078/mardan-stoning-neelor-bala-disrobing-ncsw-concerned-with-authorities%e2%80%99-inaction#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 24 Jun 11 04:27:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=195078</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[National Commission on the Status of Women insists on exemplary punishments for culprits.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A delegation of National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Wednesday expressed concern over government’s inaction against jirga members allegedly involved in the Neelor Bala disrobing incident.


On June 8, Shaheen* was paraded naked in the streets of Neelor Bala village on the instigation of a jirga that found her son guilty of rape. Four armed men from the village marched up her house, disrobed the middle-aged woman and paraded her in the streets, naked.

The delegation, led by NCSW Chairperson Anis Haroon, met with Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Muhammad Naeem and Commissioner Khalid Khan Umerzai at their office. It also met Shaheen*, the victim.

The Commissioner and DIG briefed the delegation on the legal action that had been taken so far. They said three of the primary suspects, Suleman, Arsalan and Imran had been detained, while the fourth suspect Manzoor is yet to be arrested. They said the police have also arrested three jirga members including its head Basheer Abbasi, who were involved in passing the judgement against Shaheen.

Regarding the victim’s security, they said that she had been shifted to an official residence and two police guards have been assigned for her protection. They assured the delegation of having a transparent investigation and bringing those involved in this heinous crime to justice.

The commission expressed its reservation on the role of jirgas, and urged the officers to play their role in eliminating the jirga system, which subjugated women to the most degrading punishments. “The NCSW is shocked at the recent incident in Neelor Bala. This is the most gruesome act of violence against women in the country. This violent action was taken on the behest of a jirga, which decided this penalty for the unfortunate woman,” said the chairperson.

Haroon also condemned the recent incident of violence in Mardan, where a young woman was brutally stoned to death. It stressed on exemplary verdict against the culprits so that the increasing trend of violence against women could be dealt with accordingly.

According to Human Development Organization, a Hazara based civil society organisation, 44 cases of violence against women were reported from five districts of Hazara between January and May this year. Out of these incidents, 14 women were murdered, five killed for “honour”, five kidnapped, seven committed suicide under unexplained conditions, one lost her nose, while 12 were subjected to other forms of domestic violence.

*Names have been changed to protect identities.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>‘Saving face’: Man chops off wife’s nose for alleged affair</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/194595/%e2%80%98saving-face%e2%80%99-man-chops-off-wife%e2%80%99s-nose-for-alleged-affair</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/194595/%e2%80%98saving-face%e2%80%99-man-chops-off-wife%e2%80%99s-nose-for-alleged-affair#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Jun 11 03:08:39 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=194595</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim denies allegation, says she was framed for being infertile.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Sitting in the ENT ward of a hospital in Haripur, a woman recalls her once comfortable marriage and her inability to produce children – the events that led to her disfigured face.


Her husband chopped off her nose after accusing her of having an illicit relationship, all in the name of ‘saving face’.

With the case of the Haripur ‘sexually abused’ victim still fresh in the public memory the harrowing story of Ansar Bibi, 35, adds to the 44 cases of violence against women in Haripur this year alone.

“He should have ended my life, rather than leaving me to live with the stigma of being a woman of bad character,” Ansar Bibi told The Express Tribune from the District Headquarters Hospital Haripur on Wednesday.

The motive behind the centuries-old vicious tradition of disfigurement is hardly different from scores of other cases of violence against women accused of having relations outside their marriage.

However, according to the victim, she was framed by her husband as she was unable to provide him any children and the accusations of having an affair out of wedlock was only a façade.

Punished

Ansar Bibi recalled that she and her husband Muhammad Riaz, a truck driver, were married about 20 years ago, after which he transferred the rights of ownership of one kanal of agriculture land and a house in her name as dowry.

“We lived a comfortable life but over time he started being spiteful towards me because I was infertile and his family constantly pressed him to get remarried so he could have a son as his legal heir,” she said.

With time, she added, Riaz’s behaviour became increasingly harsh, leaving her black and blue, time and again, without any reason. Then, about a year back, he went missing, only to return after six months with a new wife.

“He did not get permission for the polygamy which is mandatory under Sharia and family laws,” Ansar Bibi said. From then on, she felt that living with Riaz was not easy and decided to file for divorce and at a local family court.

However, she said that some jirga members intervened and persuaded her to withdraw the lawsuit assuring her that Riaz would treat her equally.

Ansar Bibi said that instead of getting justice, Riaz reacted by trying to “get rid of her”. He deprived her of all entitlements of dowry and began defaming her by calling her some of “ill-character”.

One night, she said, Riaz locked her up in a room with his cousin Ashiq Hussain, who was a frequent visitor at their house, and made it look as though the two were involved in an illicit relationship.

The next morning, Riaz chopped off Ansar Bibi’s nose with a knife and handed himself over to the police. His relatives– Khalid and Sakhawat – abetted him in the attack, she alleged.

While recording his statement, Riaz said that Ashiq was in his wife’s room and his act was “punishment” for her immodesty.

“If Ashiq was in my room why was he not killed or hurt,” she questioned.

Ansar Bibi now waits for financial assistance as her father, who is handicapped and on bed-rest for many years, cannot afford the treatment.

“They should kill me if they cannot restore my dignity,” she said.

Statistics of violence against women

According to statistics collected by Human Development Organization, a Hazara-based civil society organization, 44 cases of violence against women were reported from the five districts of Hazara between January and May this year.

Out of the total, 14 women were murdered, five were killed for ‘honor’, five were kidnapped, seven committed suicide under unexplained circumstances, one lost her nose, while 12 were cases of domestic violence.

According to a report by the Aurat Foundation, over 8, 000 cases of violence against women were reported from across the country in 2010. These statistics include 2,236 cases of kidnappings of women, 1,436 cases of murder, 486 domestic violence cases, 633 suicide cases, 557 honor killings, 928 rapes, 74 sexually assaults, 32 acid attacks and 38 cases were of burn injuries, while 1,580 cases were filed under ‘miscellaneous’.

 

 

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 23rd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Another international ignominy</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/192176/another-international-ignominy</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/192176/another-international-ignominy#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 11 16:38:38 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[Syed Mohammad Ali .]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=192176</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Pakistan is ranked as the third most dangerous place in the world for women, lagging behind Afghanistan and Congo.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[By now, Pakistanis are used to seeing their country’s name prop up amongst the top contenders in listings of countries describing dismal circumstances ranging from corruption to state failure. This year, our country has been ranked as the third most dangerous place in the world for women. We have lagged behind only Afghanistan and Congo. Perhaps some may take comfort in the fact that India and Somalia have also been included in this list.

But it is both sad and true that women in so many countries around the world face multiple threats. However, the basis for identifying these five countries in particular as the ‘most dangerous’ merits closer attention. The list was prepared on the basis of an ‘expert poll’, conducted by TrustLaw, which provides free legal assistance and acts as a hub of news and information on anti-corruption, governance and women rights issues. TrustLaw is run by Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters.

The TrustLaw website states that women in the five countries included in their list face a barrage of threats ranging from violence and rape to dismal healthcare and honour killings. It further mentions that those polled cited cultural, tribal and religious practices harmful to women, including acid attacks, child and forced marriage and punishment or retribution by stoning or other physical abuse.

In Pakistan’s case, TrustLaw cites one Pakistani NGO representative highlighting women’s lack of protection from violence and discrimination. It quotes another statement which goes beyond criticising Pakistani laws as being discriminatory, and also points out how the judicial system condones and exacerbates the problem by failing to view violence against women as a serious violation. These statements are hard to refute.

TrustLaw further cites secondary sources to point to other forms of discriminations such as a lack of access to resources including finances, land, inheritance rights, education, employment, justice, healthcare and nutrition. It is widely acknowledged that a combination of poverty and the low status awarded to women is indeed a major problem. For instance, more women die from childbirth in South Asia than any other place in the world other than sub-Saharan Africa. And more than half the women in the region cannot read or write. Such claims are hard to refute.

There is not much information about the ‘expert poll’ conducted by TrustLaw. Their website does not provide much information besides mentioning that only 213 gender experts were questioned for this poll from around the world. I therefore wrote to their designated media representative, and was informed that they conducted an ‘open poll’ whereby the chosen experts could identify whatever countries they thought were the most dangerous for women facing risks such as health threats, sexual violence, and non-sexual violence. I made some follow-on queries but did not get a satisfactory response.

Without trying to ignore or refute the severe and multidimensional problems faced by women in our country, it is hard to trust the claims made by TrustLaw. In fact, it is rather incredulous that such lacklustre methodology and small sample size have received so much international media coverage.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 20th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>SlutWalk: March for your rights</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/190134/march-for-your-rights</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/190134/march-for-your-rights#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 19 Jun 11 10:46:41 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[imrana.khwaja]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[World]]></category><category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=190134</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Slutwalk demands society reject any shame associated with rape but its premise also left women divided.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Onlookers looked bewildered and amused as thousands ‘slutwalked’ from London’s Hyde Park Corner to Trafalgar Square last Saturday. Some laughed and cheered as the enthusiastic and at times outrageously dressed crowd sang, danced and chanted its way through central London streets.

“However we dress, wherever we go, yes means yes and no means no!” This popular slogan summed up the idea behind the ‘slutwalk’ phenomenon, which started in response to a Toronto policeman’s comment in January that women should try not to dress like ‘sluts’ to avoid being victimised and raped. Outrage at this ‘advice’ sparked the first Slutwalk in Toronto in April and the phenomenon has since gone global, with Slutwalks across the USA and Australia, in some European and South American countries and one planned in New Delhi on June 25.

The outrage is primarily against a culture in which women are often blamed for sexual violence where they are the victims. A group of young women had come to London from Brighton for the march. “It’s important to get the message out that when a woman gets raped or attacked, it’s never her fault” says Rebecca Allinson, “it doesn’t matter what she was wearing, or whether she was drunk or out late — it’s always the rapist’s fault”. The website for Slutwalk London declares its stand for ‘the radical notion that no-one deserves to be raped’.

Although the term ‘slut’ was originally used to describe dirty, slovenly women its meaning changed in the 19th and early 20th centuries to become a derogatory term for a woman of loose sexual character. The word is said to embody society’s double standards as no analogous term exists for promiscuous men who may instead be referred to admiringly as ‘studs’ or ‘ladies men’.

One controversial aspect of the Slutwalk movement is its avowed aim to ‘reclaim’ the word slut. As in marches elsewhere in the world, many in London (including a few men) came dressed in revealing ‘slutty’ clothes: bras, corsets, fishnet tights and high heels, pink/red/purple wigs and so on. “This little black dress does not mean yes,” was the placard one woman carried. Slogans declared that all women were ‘sluts’ and an older protester wore a placard declaring herself to be a ‘pensioner slut’.  But what does it mean to ‘reclaim’ a term which one commentator described as being ‘saturated with the ideology that female sexual energy deserves punishment’?

The website is not very illuminating on this aspect: “Slut means speak up” it declares. Susan Warren from South London explained what it meant to her: “What we’re trying to say is, if one woman is a slut then we’re all sluts,” she says. Supporters of Slutwalk argue that calling all women sluts will take the sting out of the word and remove society’s division of women into good/bad, virgins/whores.

But many women including some who took part in the march are not too happy with the idea of re-appropriating a term they would rather see eliminated from popular vocabulary. Julie Long is part of the London Feminist Network that organises marches against violence against women called ‘Reclaim the Night’. These started a few years ago with 50 women and grew last year to a 2,000 strong demonstration. “I totally support why women are marching today,” she says, “but I am not interested in reclaiming the word slut.”

Newspaper columns and the blogosphere have been replete with criticisms of the Slutwalk movement. It has been accused of being naïve, white, middle class and confused. Writing in The Independent Yasmin Alibahi Brown writes: “Does it make any sense for us to teach our daughters that they can get pissed and wear whorish garb and still expect to be completely safe?”

Another criticism is that western (at least English) society has moved on from the times when women were condemned for wearing skimpy clothes and that the opposite is now a problem – pressure on young girls to conform to hypersexualised images adopted from the porn industry and commonplace in mainstream media.

In The Guardian, two teachers who have travelled around the country speaking about sexual violence to teenagers write: “We hear stories from women students who feel intense pressure to be sexually available “on demand”...They have been told over and over that in order to be valued in such a culture, they must look and act like sluts”.

Despite all criticism, there can be no doubt that the Slutwalk phenomenon has struck a nerve amongst thousands of women across the world who understand it broadly as being a protest against male definitions of modesty and the categorisation of women in terms of their sexuality. Its label, though controversial, has been marketing genius, attracting media attention and debate that initiatives such as ‘Reclaim the Night’ can never hope to get.

As the sun shone on the sea of mostly young enthusiastic people who had gathered that Saturday afternoon I remarked to a group of young women from the LSE how women from my generation had thought no-one was interested in feminism anymore. “Well I’m just 25 years old,” said one, “and I don’t know about the past. But as you can see feminism is alive and well.”

Published in The Express Tribune, Sunday Magazine, June 19th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Clinton accuses Qaddafi of using rape as a tool</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/190861/clinton-accuses-qaddafi-of-using-rape-as-a-tool</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/190861/clinton-accuses-qaddafi-of-using-rape-as-a-tool#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 11 10:12:05 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[afp]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=190861</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Hillary Clinton accuses the forces of Moamer Qaddafi of using rape and violence against women as &quot;tools of war&quot;.]]>
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				<![CDATA[US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton accused the forces of Libyan leader Moamer Qaddafi on Thursday of using rape and violence against women as "tools of war."

Clinton said the United States was "deeply concerned" by reports of widescale rape in Libya and "troubled" by reports that governments across the Middle East and North Africa were using sexual violence to punish protesters.

"Rape, physical intimidation, sexual harassment, and even so-called 'virginity tests' have taken place in countries throughout the region," she said in a statement."

Qaddafi's security forces and other groups in the region are trying to divide the people by using violence against women and rape as tools of war, and the United States condemns this in the strongest possible terms.

"International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said last week that there was evidence the Libyan authorities bought "Viagra-type" medicines and gave them to troops as part of an official rape policy."

Recently, the International Criminal Court has taken note of the appalling evidence that rape in Libya is widespread and systematically employed," Clinton said.

"A thorough investigation of this matter is needed to bring perpetrators to justice."Clinton mentioned Iman al-Obeidi, whose accusations of rape against soldiers loyal to Qaddafi garnered worldwide attention when she stormed into the Rixos hotel in Tripoli -- where many Western journalists were based -- and threw open her coat to reveal scars and bruises on her body.

"Since Iman al-Obeidi bravely burst into a hotel in Tripoli on March 26 to reveal that Qaddafi's security forces raped her, other brave women have come forward to tell of the horrible brutality they have experienced," she said.

"It is an affront to all people who are yearning to live in a society free from violence with respect for basic human rights. We urge all governments to conduct immediate, transparent investigations into these allegations, and to hold accountable those found responsible."]]>
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			<title>Plight of Pakistani women</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/190207/plight-of-pakistani-women</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/190207/plight-of-pakistani-women#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Jun 11 18:48:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=190207</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Women in Pakistan are exposed to barbaric acts and perverse ‘judgements’.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A recently published global survey that lists Pakistan as the third-worst country in the world for women should awaken us to the reality that we are systematically neglecting the rights of about half of this country’s population. According to a survey compiled by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, Pakistan is ranked third on the basis of “cultural, tribal and religious practices harmful to women.” Other countries that made the top five were Afghanistan, which took the top slot, The Democratic Republic of Congo, India and Somalia.

But what does this mean exactly? The survey rightly points out that Pakistan is not on the list merely because of its high rate of physical violence against women — it makes the list because “basic human rights are systematically denied to women.” This becomes evident from a merely cursory perusal of local media. The most recent example of horrific human rights abuse was brought to light on June 14, when the media reported that Shaheen, a woman from Neelor Bala village in the Punjab, was beaten, stripped and paraded naked in public on the orders of a tribal jirga — to avenge a rape her son allegedly committed. These practices leave no room for a woman to be viewed as anything but chattel. Not only are women exposed to these barbaric acts and perverse ‘judgements’ on an almost daily basis in Pakistan, they are also losing hope in their right to appeal to any higher authority.

Mukhtaran Mai, who saw all but one of the men who allegedly raped her in 2004 acquitted by the Supreme Court recently, is a prime example of how justice is denied to women. Her case bounced around the courts for years, delayed by inefficient documentation and pressure from local influentials. Though she had in the past expressed optimism about her case, she now says she does not associate hope with the courts anymore.

Rhetoric and political statements will not change the status of women in Pakistan. Only careful revision of existing laws and procedures and their strict enforcement will help safeguard women — and even then, we will still be left with cultural biases to overcome.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Sons sell off mother for Rs30,000</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102268/sons-sell-off-mother-for-rs30000</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102268/sons-sell-off-mother-for-rs30000#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 11 05:52:07 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102268</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Bashiraan Bibi sayes she was sold to a man who tied her up and raped her.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Two men sold their mother for Rs30,000 to a man who kept her tied up and raped her for three days. The accused have been arrested by police officials.

Mohalla Saghar Hafizabad resident Bashiraan Bibi said that she had nine sons and daughters and her husband had died four years ago.

Bashiraan said that her older sons Ansar and Ghazanfar used to abuse her frequently. A few days ago, the men sold her to village Mehdiabad resident Abbas for Rs30,000. “Abbas tied me up for three days and tortured me. He raped me several times,” she told the police. Bashiraan said that she escaped Abbas’s custody after four days and reached the residence of one of her relatives.

Bashiraan then married Hafiz Bashir in the court of civil judge Iftikharul Nabi.

“My husband belongs to the Shiekh clan and my sons had threatened to kill me if I remarried. That was why they sold me,” she said. Bashiraan has sought police protection from her sons and said that she wanted police officials to arrest them. On her application, City Police have registered cases against Ansar, Ghazanfar and Abbas. City Police Station House Officer (SHO) Syed Airf Hussain Shah said that the police had arrested Ansar and Ghazanfar and were still investigating the whereabouts of Abbas.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Woman kidnapped and paraded by landlords</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102410/woman-kidnapped-and-paraded-by-landlords</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102410/woman-kidnapped-and-paraded-by-landlords#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 11 05:32:48 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[owais.raza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102410</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Nine people blackened Zainab’s face, tore her clothes and paraded her in the street.]]>
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				<![CDATA[Local landlords blackened a woman’s face, tore off her clothes and paraded her in the streets for over an hour on Monday evening.

Vehari sub district Luddan village Basti Wah Deen resident Zainab Mai was alone in her home when nine people including two women broke into her home and assaulted her. The accused tore apart her clothes, blackened her face with boot polish and paraded Zainab naked in the village streets for over an hour.

“No one came to our help. Everyone just watched and stayed silent as my wife was tortured and abused,” said Zainab’s husband Nazeer Ahmed, who had been at work when the incident happened. Ahmed told the police that he had previously helped the accused in an incident involving the landlord’s daughter.

“This is how they repay my kindness? By disgracing my wife in public,” he told the police.

Ahmed told the police and reporters that his family had assisted Altaf Hussain’s family (primary accused) when his daughter Shazia had run away after marrying a person from Ahmed’s tribe.

“Things could have gotten very ugly and they might have killed her,” Ahmed said, adding “I made the arrangements and asked my family members to safely hand over the girl to her parents,” he said, adding that he had tried to avoid any bloodshed.

“This is how they repay our generosity by taking revenge on my wife for something their daughter did.

Shazia ran away with a member from our family but we forcefully returned her to her parents,” he said.

Ahmed said that Shazia had accompanied her father and mother and assisted them in assaulting Zainab. “The woman is in shock. She hasn’t said a single word and refused to speak to anyone,” Vehari Station House Officer (SHO) Mirza Asif Baig said. Baig said that his team had already arrested five people under Section 147/148, 345a/352 in an FIR (no.10/2011).

The accused include landlord Altaf Hussain, Noor Muhammad Fiaz, Baksh Khan and Muhammad Javed as well as Hussain’s daughter Shazia.

Speaking to The Express Tribune Baig said that a detailed inquiry would be held according to the law.

“I have done my duty by arresting the persons and we have been raiding different places to arrest the rest of the persons involved in this case,” he said, adding that the police officials were questioning locals in the district who had witnessed the event. “The people told us that the men paraded around the poor woman for hours as she was sobbing.

No one stopped them because everyone fears the men involved,” SHO Baig said.

Zainab Mai’s husband has appealed to the police and the Punjab government for justice and has demanded that the criminals involved be punished.

*The woman’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Violence against women: Over 300 cases reported in six months</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102515/violence-against-women-over-300-cases-reported-in-six-months</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/102515/violence-against-women-over-300-cases-reported-in-six-months#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Jan 11 04:32:40 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
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			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=102515</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Most victims of violence under 18, highest prevalence of violent cases in Peshawar.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A total of 308 cases of violence against women (VAW) were reported during the last six months in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. This was revealed in a report compiled by Aurat Foundation, an non-government organisation working for women rights.

Most victims of violence remained under 18 as 38 cases of teenage victims were reported, says the during July-Aug 2010. There were 35 victims in the 19 to 36 age group, and 10 victims aged 37 and over. The highest prevalence of violent cases was in Peshawar, said Aurat Foundation Legal Advisor Advocate Jalaluddin, during the launching of the VAW report here on Tuesday at Peshawar Press Club. Jalaluddin said that more than 112 cases have been reported in Peshawar, whereas 46 cases in Mardan, 21 in Swabi, 15 in Charsadda, 15 in Kohat, 13 in Haripur, 12 in Nowshera, 11 cases each in Swat and Manshera, 10 in Bannu, and nine cases in D.I Khan. Similarly, he said two cases were reported in Khyber and Mohmand Agencies. No case of violence against women was reported from Lakki Marwat, Kohistan and Tank districts, or the tribal areas, including Khurram, Bajuar, North and South Waziristan agencies.

Unfortunately, he said that 29 cases or 9.41 per cent were not registered due to different reasons and factors, whereas remaining 41 cases, 12.98 per cent were lacking FIR and other pre-requisite evidences. Giving details of other crimes and violence, he said around 40 cases of abduction and Kidnapping have been reported in the province.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 12th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Violence against women: 862 cases reported in second half of 2010</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101950/violence-against-women-862-cases-reported-in-second-half-of-2010</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101950/violence-against-women-862-cases-reported-in-second-half-of-2010#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Jan 11 05:26:02 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[samia.saleem]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101950</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Aurat Foundation report says second half of 2010 somewhat better as number of cases of violence decreased.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[The second half of 2010 turned out to be somewhat better, at least where  women in Sindh are concerned, since the total number of cases of violence against women fell from 940 to 862, according to a report of the Aurat Foundation.

The Aurat Foundation launched its half-yearly report on violence against women, which bracketed the total number of cases into 10 categories of crime.

For the past three years, the NGO collects data under the project ‘Policy and Data Monitor on Violence against Women’.  The programme aims at highlighting women’s issues, creating public awareness and positively influencing policy making, said Shireen Aijaz, coordinator of the foundation. She said that the slight decrease in the number of cases in the second half of the year may be because the flood in the province diverted media attention from the usual problems.

The report noted a total of 712 cases of violence, which affected 862 women in the 23 districts of Sindh. There were 119 incidents of honour killing, in which 98 women and 39 men were killed. Sixty-two cases of rape and 61 suicides were recorded while 159 women survived murder attempts.

Meanwhile, 103 cases of abduction/kidnapping, 24 of sexual assault, 78 of domestic violence and 34 others of custodial violence, customary practices, attempted suicides, threat to violence and trafficking and torture were also recorded. Talking to The Express Tribune, Mehnaz Rehman, Resident Director of the Aurat Foundation, said that honour killings are on the rise, especially in Sindh, with 147 cases reported in the first half of 2010.  She believes it is because of weak laws. “Despite a ban, jirgas are still being held. The criminals can easily escape and there are no strict punishments,” she said.

Those involved in honour killings should be treated like any other murderers, she said. “It is not sudden provocation. It is cold-blooded murder,” she added.

The report showed that at least 24 jirgas were held in the province to ‘dispense justice’ in women-related cases. Eight women were given in compensation to settle tribal conflicts or free-will marriage issues.

More than eight cases were registered against persons who held jirgas.

The report also shed light on custodial violence and 105 women/girls were tortured or arrested by police.  Also according to the data, FIRs were registered for 341 of these cases while it could not be registered for 323 cases. In 51 of the cases, the status of FIR could not be ascertained. MPA Marvi Rashdi was also present on the occasion so she could give a briefing on the efforts taken by the government. “When it comes to women’s rights, all the parties have the same stance,” she said. However, the bills on women issues are often at the bottom of the government’s priorities, she regretted.

Rehman added that even when there is some will on the part of the government, the opposition jumps in. She concluded by saying that the National Assembly had passed a bill on domestic violence, which then got stuck in the Senate since those affiliated with the right wing said it would lead to more divorces in the country.

Murders most foul

SNo.        Motive behind murder          Number of cases 

1.                Domestic conflict                                   57

2.                Robbery/theft                                        20

3.                Marriage issue                                      14

4.                Matrimonial disputes                            11

5.                Ownership of land/plot dispute            9

6.                Tribal conflict                                         6

7.                Lust for sex                                            11

8.                Old enmity                                             4

9.                Reasons not ascertained                       16

 TOTAL    148

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Speak softly and carry a stun gun</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/99477/speak-softly-and-carry-a-stun-gun</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/99477/speak-softly-and-carry-a-stun-gun#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 11 12:34:57 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[hamna.zubair]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[Magazine]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=99477</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[A growing number of women have expressed interest in buying lethal, non-lethal weapons to better defend themselves.]]>
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				<![CDATA[It was just another day for Rasti Ahmed when she got into her car to drive herself home after having lunch at Cafe Aylanto in Zamzama, karachi. It was around 3pm when she started along the back streets of Zamzama, and she was not initially suspicious when two men on a motorcycle drove closer to her vehicle. Suddenly however, the men braked hard right in front of her car, blocking her exit route.

“And this was when pillion riding had been banned in Karachi,” says Rasti. “One of the men got off the motorcycle, reached under his shalwar kameez and pulled out a gun. Instinctively, before he could aim it at me, I stepped on the accelerator and rammed into him, pushing him against his companion and startling them both.” Rasti then backed out of the alley and zoomed away, stopping only to tell policemen stationed nearby about the incident. “The police weren’t bothered,” says Rasti. “It was as though I was telling them mildly interesting gossip.”

Rasti was lucky. A combination of quick thinking and skill allowed her to escape from her situation unscathed. But other women in Karachi might not be as lucky, especially since crime is on the rise in Pakistan’s largest metropolis.

According to official figures released by the Sindh Police, there have been five times as many incidents of gang rape in the Karachi region during the period January 1, 2010 to September 30, 2010 as there had been the previous year. Incidences of kidnapping, abduction and theft also increased during the same period.

Chief of the Citizen’s Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), Ahmed Chinoy, agrees that crime and insecurity in Karachi have spiked in the past two years.  “From 2009 to 2010 alone, crime in Karachi has increased by about twenty per cent,” says Chinoy. “This is very worrying because expenditures on the police force also increased over the same period.”

Girls, guns, and nerves of steel

Karachi has not been safe for many years, but after two women were abducted on December 19, 2010 in Defence and one of them was assaulted and gang raped, women in Defence and Clifton have been hesitant to move around freely. “My parents have suggested that I refrain from driving myself around after dark,” says Madiha, a twenty-four year old banker and resident of Defence. “We used to think Clifton and Defence were slightly safer than other parts of the city. Now we’re not so sure anymore.”

This is not the first time a rape case in Defence has made waves in the media — the memory of the infamous ‘white Corolla’ gang that struck fear into the hearts of Karachi residents over a year ago is still fresh in people’s minds, though officials are quick to dismiss any connection between the two cases.

“The gang rape that just took place in Defence this December was an isolated incident, and I can say that with confidence,” says the CPLC chief. “We have no knowledge of other such incidents occurring in Defence and Clifton. Yes, there was valid concern with the white Corolla case, but we launched a huge operation to counter that and eventually, last year we caught them.”

Women on the streets, however, are not convinced. Zahid Motiwalla, who runs an arms shop located in Zamzama, says a growing number of women have expressed interest in buying lethal and non-lethal weapons in order to better defend themselves. Chinoy also acknowledges the authorities are receiving more requests for arms licenses now than in previous years.

“Some people want to buy weapons for their security personnel, which means they want shotguns, and people who want to carry weapons for their own protection buy small-caliber weapons like pistols,” Motiwalla says.

“We definitely had more women coming to us after this incident in Defence,” he says. Motiwalla goes on to say that he recommends that all women carry a non-lethal weapon on their person when they move around the city. Pepper spray, stun guns and tasers fall into the category of non-lethal weapons, deterrents that are meant to temporarily incapacitate an attacker.

According to Motiwalla, a taser provides the best defense as it can be used against an attacker from a distance of up to fifteen feet. Pepper spray and stun guns have limited range. “However, tasers are expensive and are not easily available in Pakistan,” says Motiwalla. “In the US, tasers cost around Rs 34,000 or more, and in Pakistan they can cost up to Rs 50,000. Of course, women who can afford this do pay — they obviously think it’s worth it.”

Tara Mahmood, a television executive, says she recently started carrying a nightstick to protect herself, but would have preferred a taser. “I couldn’t get my hands on a taser, so one of my friends built a nightstick for me,” she says. A nightstick is a stout club that is typically carried by police in the US. “My friend taught me how to use the nightstick, and I do feel good that I can protect myself if I need to.”

Motiwalla admits that people are buying more weapons as compared to about three years ago. “I keep a close eye on security developments because of the nature of my job,” he says. “I can tell you that the situation in Karachi is becoming more volatile.”

School teacher Javeria also took measures to protect herself better recently — her husband bought her a stun gun after the gang rape in DHA, which she says makes her feel safer. Her Chinese-made stun gun cost Rs 5,000, and the cost of German stun guns could go up to Rs 25,000.

Former editor Fauzia Khuhro says that having access to a weapon makes her feel safer — especially after she successfully used a gun in an encounter with burglars in the 1990s.  “We had a break in at three in the morning — my husband was facing three armed men who were standing outside our children’s bedroom door,” recalls Fauzia. “I ran up behind him, reacted very fast and shot at the man who had a gun leveled at my husband. The leader of the gang dropped dead and the others jumped the wall and ran away.”

Fauzia says she hates to think of what may have happened if a weapon had not been available that night. Even today, Fauzia sleeps uneasily and always remains alert. Surprisingly, she says, the police was not very interested in arresting the burglars who got away.

 

Offense is the best defense?

Although the use of weapons may have helped some people out of tight spots, experts agree that carrying and using firearms is risky, and ultimately unadvisable.

Zain Imam, CEO of a well-known private security firm, agrees that security in Karachi has declined — in fact he says the situation will worsen over the next eight to nine months if serious steps are not taken by the police to counter crime.

However, he cautions against the use and ownership of lethal weapons. “Usually people aren’t told how to use these weapons effectively. In some situations, using a weapon only puts you at greater risk of injury,” he says.

Imam says that women should make more use of collective action in order to protect themselves. “Women need to start some sort of association that will help them protect themselves. I had started conducting self-defense classes for people I knew, but really the push has to come from the outside — if there are people willing to learn about defending themselves, we are willing to teach them.”

Babur, a martial arts instructor who has been teaching for the past thirty years, agrees that learning basic self-defense techniques will help women develop the confidence to deal with security threats more effectively.

“When you find yourself in a tricky situation, it’s not just about using kicks and punches to escape — knowledge of the martial arts means you are mentally prepared to face the situation,” says Babur.

“Learning self-defense is a positive thing,” he adds, but warns that women should only be coached by qualified instructors who can teach them how to handle specific situations. “A lot of women join self-defense classes to lose weight — this shouldn’t be the aim,” he says. “The aim is to ensure that you know how to handle any situation that presents itself to you.”

CPLC chief Chinoy is also quick to discourage private ownership of weapons and, despite her happy ending, Fauzia too offers a word of warning: “I would not advocate carrying a weapon unless you are very confident, competent and proficient in using it and knowing when to use it,” she says.

 

What to do when the worst happens

Unfortunately, when the worst does happen, victims of rape and assault are often hesitant to report their cases to the police.

CPLC chief Chinoy agrees that the police is very seldom approached when a woman has been raped by a single man — he says victims of gang rape are more likely to come forward.

“Some victims feel that their privacy will not be respected. Some victims don’t want to appear before the court. Some victims are pressured into maintaining silence,” Chinoy says. “But I would tell all rape victims to come forward, because if they remain silent they are not doing justice to themselves or to society.”

Chinoy also acknowledges that widespread perceptions of the police being corrupt and inefficient make victims hesitant to come forward, and suggests a course of action: “If you have been raped or otherwise molested, and if you are unwilling to go to a local police station, you can come straight to the CPLC,” he says. “We can guarantee that you will be protected and given complete privacy. We can also help you arrange for legal protection.”

Victims of violence against women in Pakistan have very few role models to look up to — very few women in the country have managed to get justice. For women in Pakistan, then, taking precautions to ensure their safety and security remains their biggest priority.

Motiwalla succinctly sums up the situation: “if you find that you are the victim of a simple mugging or an attempt at phone snatching, you should not retaliate. Just give the mugger what he wants. But if you find yourself in a situation where you could be assaulted or raped — you should use any and every means to escape from that predicament.”

Safety tips for women

 

1. Always lock your car doors. This may seem obvious, but a surprising number of people neglect this basic safety precaution.

2. Choose your parking spot carefully.  Avoid parking in badly-lit areas or in areas where few other cars are parked.

3. Have your keys handy. A woman fumbling in her handbag for her keys while standing next to a locked car is an easy target. Have your keys firmly in your hand when heading towards your car. You may even consider attaching a can of pepper spray to your keychain.

4. Keep your handbag on the car floor. Most women place their bags on the passenger seat once they get inside their cars. This is another opportunity for an attacker who would be able to see inside the car, especially if the car’s windows are clear.

5. Keep your car well-maintained. A poorly maintained engine can let you down at exactly the wrong time — or place. The same goes for batteries that haven’t been charged recently. Tires that are long in the tooth and short in the tread can go flat just when they’re needed most. Keeping up on your maintenance can go a long way toward avoiding a bad situation.

6. Keep your eyes open. Know the area you are driving in, and where the local police stations or busy areas are. Keep checking your rear and side view mirrors for vehicles that may be following you.

How to handle an abduction attempt:

1. If a kidnapper has taken you hostage by climbing into the back seat of your car with a gun, be calm.

2.  If he tells you to quietly move to the passenger seat, get out of the car and refuse to accompany him.

3. If you have a child with you softly but firmly tell him/her to get out of the car.

4. Tell the kidnapper to take your purse, car and whatever else he wants quietly. Assure him you will not report this for an hour, but refuse to accompany him. Just walk off. Report the incident to the police immediately.

5. If he tells you to start driving while he is sitting in the back, go ahead and drive. Keep your car close to other vehicles. Try to come to a red light at a signal and deliberately crash into the car in front of you. This will create a commotion and the criminal will escape at the first opportunity.

6. You can now run and shout for help.

Source: Citizen’s Police Liaison Committee

Published in The Express Tribune Sunday Magazine, January 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Man kills wife for telling him not to drink</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101510/man-kills-wife-for-telling-him-not-to-drink</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101510/man-kills-wife-for-telling-him-not-to-drink#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 11 04:57:25 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
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			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
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			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mushtaq took a knife to Shameem’s face before he stabbed her.]]>
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				<![CDATA[A man stabbed his wife for trying to stop him from drinking.

Taranda village Muhammad Panah resident Mushtaq killed his wife after torturing her with a knife because she tried to stop him from drinking and hid his alcohol. Shameem, the mother of two children, was Mushtaq’s second wife and had begged him to give up alcohol for years. “They always had fights about his drinking habit. He was abusive and hit the children so she was always hiding his liqour,” Shameem’s neighbour Nighat bibi said. “He was an alcoholic. He would beat up anyone in sight.

He beat me several times and his wife knew that it was only a matter of time before the neighbourhood ganged up on him,” Mushtaq’s neighbour Qasim said. On Sunday Mushtaq was drinking with his friend Samar and when his wife tried to stop him and he began to carve into her face with a kitchen knife. Mushtaq then stabbed her. Taranda Police Station House Officer Shah Jahan lodged an FIR no.10/2011 on the application of Shameem’s brother. Police officials have has raided different places but Mushtaq escaped the scene and is still at large.

Mushtaq and Shameem were married eight years ago and the couple had two children.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Cyber crimes: Absence of law gives  blackmailers free hand</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101611/cyber-crimes-absence-of-law-gives-blackmailers-free-hand</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101611/cyber-crimes-absence-of-law-gives-blackmailers-free-hand#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 11 04:45:50 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saba.imtiaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101611</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khipro rape case highlights issue of rapists using videos to extort money.]]>
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				<![CDATA[The absence of a law on cyber crimes has given a free hand to blackmailers, including alleged rapists who film their criminal acts.

The Khipro rape case has disappeared from the public domain after initial protests by nationalist political parties. But the case remains alive on the internet, where it is referred to as the ‘Khipro scandal’. Scores of websites have links to the video of the gang-rape, which also spread in Khipro via cell phone multimedia messaging services. Internet users have flooded the comment sections of several websites, asking for a link to the video.

The incident also had an impact on education in some districts in Sindh, as many girls stopped attending schools and colleges after the rape case.

The alleged victim’s uncle Dr Mohammad Amin told Express News that a group in Khipro is involved in blackmailing women with risque photographs of them and asks for money to not distribute the images. In one incident, he said, images of a girl were delivered to her family before her wedding, and the group demanded payment to not show them to her prospective in-laws.

Dr Amin said: “We appeal to the government to deal with these men and punish them so they never do this to any girl again.”

Similar incidents have taken place this year. The Express Tribune reported in October that a 25-year-old woman in Lahore filed (and later withdrew) a complaint alleging that she had been gang-raped by policemen, one of whom filmed the rape and sent the footage to her parents and in-laws. Last May, a bank manager in Mirpurkhas, Sikandar Hayat Shah, accused a man named Fahim Mughal of uploading a doctored video of Shah’s 16-year-old daughter on YouTube.

Khipro Police told Express News it was looking into who was involved in distributing the video.

However, even if they were to find the culprits, there is currently no law to prosecute them under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Ordinance – which included a vague description of cyber-stalking - lapsed in November 2009. Jehan Ara, the president of the Pakistan Software Houses Association, has been actively involved in raising awareness about these issues but said there does not appear to be any movement on drafting a new bill. She said any new legislation “must include multi-stakeholder input to encompass all kinds of cyber crimes, whether it is banking fraud or harassment online and via mobile phones.”

With additional reporting by Malik Ghulam Hussain.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Rape: 17-year-old gang-rape victim demands justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101090/rape-17-year-old-gang-rape-victim-demands-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101090/rape-17-year-old-gang-rape-victim-demands-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jan 11 08:05:54 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sohail.khattak]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101090</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[MLO deliberately terms rape victim virgin and the police refuses to register FIR.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Seventeen-year-old gang-rape victim, A, demanded justice from the higher authorities after she was deliberately termed a ‘virgin’ by a medico-legal officer and the police refused to register an FIR against the accused.

Speaking to the media at the Madadgar Helpline Office on Saturday, A said that her neighbour Dhani Bux asked her to come over to his house on the pretext of showing his newborn baby.

However, when they reached his house, his two aides, Bu-Ali and Sher Ali were waiting to overpower and rape A. “They abused my father, my brothers and also beat me up” said A.

The victim belongs to a poor peasant family of Jhaddo, Mirpurkhas and her father Muhammad Khoso said that the police at the Jhaddo police station refused to register an FIR against the accused and said “we will not register your FIR as you have consulted the Jirga”. Later on the police asked for the medical report to register an FIR.

However, the medical report issued by a female medico-legal officer at Taluka Hospital Jhaddo, Dr Shahnaz Talpur termed the victim a virgin.

“After the fake medical report the police refused to take any action against the accused and threatened us of dire consequences if we filed a case against the accused in the court” said Khoso. He added that the jirga decided that A should be married to the accused Bu-Ali and in return his sister should be given to my son after twelve days but they refused to act on the jirga’s decision. Madadgaar Project Coordinator Zia Ahmed Awan, said that a local journalist Zar Nageen brought the victim to the Madadgaar office.

Awan informed that on his request Director General Health Sindh Dr Sarwar Channa formed a high-level medical board for the medical examination of the victim.  “On January 5, 2011, after thorough examination of the victim the medical board at Civil hospital confirmed that the victim was not a virgin” said Awan.

He condemned the medico-legal departments and said that these departments are often packed with incompetent and corrupt people and the fake medical legal report of Aasia Khoso is evidence of the abused practice.

“Despite the ban on jirgas by the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court people hold jirgas and play with human lives,” said Awan while taking about the jirga.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Sexual assault on minor: Sanghar rape victim still searching for justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101171/sexual-assault-on-minor-sanghar-rape-victim-still-searching-for-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/101171/sexual-assault-on-minor-sanghar-rape-victim-still-searching-for-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 09 Jan 11 07:20:37 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[saba.imtiaz]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=101171</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Months after an FIR was registered in Khipro, the communities involved remain on the brink of confrontation.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[“I (feel that I) have died, and with me, so have my mother and father,” says Z, who was allegedly gang-raped by four men in Khipro town in Sanghar district last September.

Z was 14 and a student of Class 8 when she was allegedly raped by the men, who reportedly not only filmed the incident but also posted a video of it on the internet.

Months after an FIR was registered in Khipro, the communities involved remain on the brink of confrontation. The case has developed into a volatile ethnic issue, as Z’s family (Bhaiyo) is Sindhi and the accused men belong to the Qaimkhani community. Sindh-based nationalist parties supported the victim’s family and demanded for justice to be served, while the police confirmed that the accused were guilty.

The FIR states that the incident occurred when Z went to a friend’s house after school, she was allegedly drugged over there and then subsequently raped at the friend’s house.

The heinous act has allegedly been committed by her friend’s brother and his three friends. Z was later found unconscious at the doorstep of her own house two days after the incident.

The victim’s uncle Dr Mohammad Amin, who filed the FIR, told Express News, “The incident is very unfortunate. I have never heard of or seen such a case. We are poor people and we appeal to human rights groups and Muslims. Such incident should not have happened in a Muslim country.”

The Qaimkhani community says that if the men are guilty they should be punished, but the community’s women should not be dragged into the case. The victim has named the three sisters of one of the accused - Danish Mahmood – in the FIR as well.

While the four accused are in jail, the Mahmood family believe the women have been named as a score-settler. The women’s brother Minhaj Mahmood contacted The Express Tribune to provide documentary evidence of their stand.

The Mahmood family claims that not only had the three accused women never met the victim, two of them were not even in Khipro on September 28 when the crime was allegedly committed. They say that one of the sisters, Tehreem, was in Tando Allahyar, where she lives with her in-laws. Another, Nayab, was attending classes at the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences in Jamshoro that day. Minhaj claims his youngest sister Farasat and the victim did not know each other because they went to different schools and studied in different classes.

He told The Express Tribune that the two families have no known enmity but the Sindhi and Muhajir communities in Khipro have clashed previously over a murder case.

He also claimed his sisters are in physical danger. “Nayab faces threats of kidnapping at her university,” he said. “Our father has to accompany her.”

Tehreem, Nayab and Farasat obtained protective bail from the high court after being named in the FIR. Minhaj said it was difficult to hire a lawyer because no one wanted to take up the case because of the supposed political fallout as well as personal security concerns.

However, the Khipro Police say that they carried out investigations without any undue pressure from any side. The Khipro Police  say they are “certain that the men committed the crime”.

The case is currently being heard at a sessions court in Sanghar. The accused were reportedly shifted to Nara jail in Hyderabad after the district jail refused to house them, citing security concerns.

The lawyer for the complainant, Qalandar Bux Laghari, has submitted an application for the case to be transfered to the Anti Terrorism Court in Nawabshah.

At the most recent hearing in December, the accused were not produced in court by the police and the next hearing has been set for January 26.

“The accused are not being produced by the police because they belong to an influential family,” Laghari told The Express Tribune.

“This is another attempt to delay the outcome of case,” he added.

“My parents and I have been wronged. I want justice,” says Z. “They (the culprits) should be given the harshest punishment so that they never do this again,” the victim added.

With additional reporting by Malik Ghulam Hussain.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 9th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Refuge at last: Sellay’s body bore marks of violence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100583/refuge-at-last-sellay%e2%80%99s-body-bore-marks-of-violence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100583/refuge-at-last-sellay%e2%80%99s-body-bore-marks-of-violence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sat, 08 Jan 11 06:14:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[mahnoor.sherazee]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=100583</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Sellay was tortured, confirms medical legal officer who examined the young woman found chained by her husband.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A young woman who was found chained by the Baloch Colony police on Thursday bore marks of physical violence on her body, said the medical legal officer (MLO) who examined her on Friday.

Exhausted and feverish, Sellay finally felt at ease at her uncle’s house in Lyari, Quaidabad on Friday. The 27-year-old woman made headlines when she accused her husband, Muhammad Abid, and in-laws of torturing her and keeping her chained in their house.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Noor Ahmed, the MLO at Civil Hospital Karachi, who is handling Sellay’s case, said, “We found marks on two parts of her body.” He said that these marks were probably the result of “beating or punches to her face and rope or other forms of restrictions on her legs”. According to Ahmed, the marks on Sellay’s body are about four to five days old, which seems to substantiate her story. “However, we [MLOs] can only ascertain that the marks are present. Who caused those marks is the job of the investigating officers,” he added.

Once she had finally escaped from her husband’s house, Sellay made herself clear: she wanted a divorce.

To verify the legitimacy of her allegations, Sellay was taken to Civil Hospital Karachi for a medical check-up on Friday. Following the examination, she was handed over to her uncle, Gulfaraz Khan, said Baloch Colony SHO Samad Khan.

“We have called her mother and she is trying to come to Karachi but she will confirm tomorrow [Saturday,” Gulfaraz told The Express Tribune. “Till then she will stay with me,” he said, adding that his niece was “absolutely sure” that she did not want to return to her husband.

“We do not want to pursue a case nor do we want any feud with them [Sellay’s in-laws]. She just wants an end to the marriage,” he said.

As Sellay’s marriage was a “watta-satta” marriage, her brother’s wife [also her husband’s sister] has now returned to her own home of “her own free-will” Gulfaraz said. “Whether she [Sellay’s sister-in-law] decides to stay or come back is for her to decide as she has suffered no problems with us,” he added.

Meanwhile, station investigation officer Waqar Jadoon said that the accused were presented before the court on Friday afternoon, after which they were released on bail. According to him, the court would hear the case in 14 days, after which the medical report will also be presented.

Sellay was living with her husband and two brothers-in-law in Ashraf Colony for the past six months. She was married to Muhammad Abid in May last year.

IO Khan said on Thursday that they have arrested her husband and his brothers and filed an FIR.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Alleged physical violence: Chained far away from home</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100104/alleged-physical-violence-chained-far-away-from-home</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/100104/alleged-physical-violence-chained-far-away-from-home#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Jan 11 05:25:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sohail.khattak]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=100104</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Young woman escapes from alleged detention, torture.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[“I don’t want to live with them,” said the frightened young woman at Baloch Colony police station on Thursday.

Blinking in the bright lights of the flashing cameras and ducking from the rapid-fire questions being thrown her way by the media, Sellay looked confused and frightened. She could only talk and understand Pashtu.

The Baloch Colony police found Sellay, with her feet fettered in irons chains, in Qayyumabad near the Express media group office on Thursday. She was allegedly detained, tortured and chained by her husband and in-laws in Liaquat Ashraf Colony within the jurisdiction of the Baloch Colony police station. “I was called around 11 am that there is a girl with chains around her feet, sitting near the Express office,” said Baloch Colony SHO Samad Khan. “I went to the spot, cut off her chains and brought her to the police station.”

Sellay was living with her husband and two brothers-in-law in Ashraf Colony for the past six months.

She was married to Muhammad Abid in May last year, while Abid’s sister was married to her brother in a ‘watta-satta’.

Khan said that they have arrested her husband and his brothers.

Police have also registered an FIR under sections 342 and 337-A-1 against the accused, who are now in lockup. Sellay was then handed over to the investigation department and then taken to a hospital for legal formalities.

Sellay’s version

The rosy-faced Sellay, who hails from Allayi in Battagram district, was wearing a black veil and sitting between two female police constables. “I don’t want to live with them,” she said, pointing to her husband and in-laws, who were sitting on the bench in front of her.

“They hit me and for the past month, my sister-in-law has been tying my foot to the charpoy with a chain,” she told The Express Tribune.

Sellay alleged that her in-laws only free her at meal times. “I want to go to my mother,” she said, looking up at her husband. “I don’t want to go with them. They will tie me like a goat and torture me again. Please take me to my mother or my uncle,” she said.

Narrating the story of her escape, she said that she was alone in the house and for a change, her foot was not tied to the bed. She managed to run out of the house and a little further away from there, some men saw the chains around her foot

Muhammad Abid’s version

Selley’s husband, a young man with a black beard who could not speak Urdu very well, said he works in a small hotel in Baloch Colony and hails from the same area as his wife.

“Sellay’s mother does not want her to live with me. She wants her to divorce me so she can marry her off to someone else,” Abid said. He added that his wife had escaped several times and this is not the first time they have found themselves in this tricky situation.

“I never hit her and she is never chained,” Abid rebuffed all the accusations. He said his sister is married to Sellay’s brother, Mazhar Khan. Sellay’s family is not allowing his sister to meet with them. “They have kept her hidden somewhere for the last six months. Yesterday we found out that they are living in Abottabad,” he said.

Abdul Waris, Sellay’s brother-in-law, said they have told her uncle that they will not be responsible for her because she keeps running away. “Tomorrow I was going to take her to Abottabad to her mother,” Waris claimed.

He said that she had run away before the last Eid and for 14 days, she was missing and was kept by a rickshaw driver in Banaras

He also dismissed Selley’s claims of torture and said she is lying. “She put the chain around her foot herself,” he said, adding he would never hit her because she is like a sister to him. “I could not be cruel to a girl so far away from her home and her parents,” he said.

Third party version

Saleemullah Khan Turk was an arbitrator in the jirga hearing that was called when she had run away from her house the last time and was given asylum by a rickshaw driver in November, 2010.

He confirmed that the woman had run away many times before. He believed ‘small incidents of torture’ are part of marital life.

“Being a Pakhtun wife, she should be able to bear such little torture,” he said before adding that there were no signs of physical violence anyway.

Meanwhile, Sindh Home Minister Dr Zulfiqar Mirza has taken notice of the incident and has sought a report from Capital City Police Officer, Karachi (CCPO).

He directed CCPO Karachi to ensure stern action against those involved. Dr Mirza also directed the police officers to provide necessary protection and assistance to the victim.

Provincial adviser to chief minister on information Sharmila Farooqui also came to the police station and assured protection and justice to the victim.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 7th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Gang-rape victim seeks justice from the Supreme Court</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/98850/gang-rape-victim-seeks-justice-from-the-supreme-court</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/98850/gang-rape-victim-seeks-justice-from-the-supreme-court#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 11 02:56:13 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[zahid.gishkori]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=98850</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Mukhtar Mai's case, which was pending in the SC since 2005, has been resurrected.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[Mukhtar Mai’s case, which was pending before the Supreme Court since 2005, has been resurrected with her counsel, Aitzaz Ahsan, taking the stance that the prosecution witnesses were purportedly discredited by being confronted with earlier statements that they had disowned.

The Supreme Court has taken suo moto notice of the four appeals filed by Mukhtar Mai and the state against the convicts’ acquittal. The statements given by the prosecution witnesses were not taken at face value and were confronted with earlier statements while the scribe, who had recorded the statements, had not appeared before the court.

The three-member bench presided by Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan conducted the proceedings of the case. The defendants have also filed an application for the acquittal of the convict who has been awarded life imprisonment by the Lahore High Court.

Mukhtar Mai was represented by Aitzaz Ahsan, Gohar Ali Khan and Malik Muhammad Sabir while Malik Muhammad Saleem represented the defendants of the Mastoi tribe.

Barrister Ahsan informed the Court that the complainants’ thumb impressions were taken on blank paper during the investigation of the case in 2002 or after that due to which their statements were not admissible for evidence.

“The statement recorded by the then SP, Mirza Abbas Ahmad, appointed by the IG Punjab to investigate Mukhtar Mai’s case in a fact finding inquiry, violate section 161 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC),” he argued.

According to the legislation, a witness may be cross-examined on previous statements made by him or her in writing or which are recorded in writing and are relevant to the matter in question.

“Can you explain why the statements recorded by the said SP could not be confronted?” Justice Saqib Nisar enquired of the defendants’ counsel.

The counsel argued that the benefit of section 145 of the Qanoon Shahadat could not be availed by the 14 accused in the case, six of whom, were convicted at that time. Barrister Ahsan maintained that the anti-terrorism court did have the jurisdiction to try a gang-rape case considering the circumstances.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 4th, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Torture in Larkana: One man surrenders, three others still at large</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/98235/torture-in-larkana-one-man-surrenders-three-others-still-at-large</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/98235/torture-in-larkana-one-man-surrenders-three-others-still-at-large#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Jan 11 04:39:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shiraz.pathan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=98235</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[One of three men who shaved a woman’s head and eyebrows as punishment surrenders to police.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[One of the three men who shaved a woman’s head and eyebrows as punishment surrendered to the police on Sunday.

The 45-year-old victim, Zohra, accused her ex-husband Abdul Sattar of torturing her and forcing his three nephews, Waheed, Wali Muhammad and Badshah, to shave her head and eyebrows. Badshah confessed to the crime in front of the Hyderi police in Larkana and gave a statement, which contradicts Zohra’s version of events.

According to Badshah, his uncle never divorced Zohra and she left their house with her children. Abdul Sattar became emotional when he missed his children, many of who are still young, he said. The couple had 12 children but their eldest son died.

“My uncle could not understand why Zohra abandoned him,” said Badshah. On Saturday, he lost control over his emotions and asked his nephews to shave Zohra’s head and eyebrows. Badshah insisted that he tried to stop his uncle from committing the act but he did not listen to him.

“I did not touch her but my brothers did what our uncle asked them to do,” he admitted. Abdul Sattar was outraged and kept saying that “his heart will not be satisfied” unless he shaves her head, he said. Zohra also agreed once Abdul Sattar promised that he would divorce her later, he claimed.

Badshah said that Abdul Sattar has also agreed to surrender before the police as long as he was treated properly.

The police have raided several areas identified by Badshah but they have yet to locate the remaining men nominated in the FIR.

Zohra, who is still at the women’s police station, will be presented before the court of the third judicial magistrate today (Monday) at 10 am, when her statement will be recorded under Section 164.

The court will decide her fate based on whether she wants to go back to her father’s house or stay in a Darul Aman. Badshah will also be taken to court today.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) women’s wing president Faryal Talpur has given a Rs20,000 cheque to Zohra, said a statement on Sunday.

Zohra’s version

On Saturday, Zohra took refuge at the Women police station, Larkana, where she told the police that her ex-husband divorced her two years ago and she lived with her father in Khairpur. She went to the house of Abdul Sattar’s sister on Saturday to pay condolences for a death in the family and ran into him.

According to Zohra, Abdul Sattar lost control over his emotions and became violent. He tortured her and then forced his nephews to shave her head. She managed to escape later and came to the police station.

With additional input from Online.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Much-needed legislation</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/98263/much-needed-legislation</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/98263/much-needed-legislation#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jan 11 19:34:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[editorial]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Editorial]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=98263</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Attacking women with acid, horribly disfiguring them seems like legitimate expression in our society today.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[It is a sad comment on the state of our society that the law is often a step behind the myriad forms of brutality with which criminals strike their victims. The recently proposed law that seeks to criminalise disfiguring of women is a step in the right direction and a much-needed legal protection, though the very fact that a need arose for such a law is shameful.

Far too many men, it seems, think that attacking women with acid and horribly disfiguring them is a legitimate expression of whatever grievances they may feel. The law, as it currently stands, does not have a specific provision dealing with this crime and, as such, even the few who do get convicted of the crime often get light sentences.

It is a welcome development that the proposed bill, initiated by Fakhrun Nisa Khokher of the PPP and supported by Marvi Memon of the PML-Q, seems to have broad support across the political spectrum. This is a pleasant turn of events from the embarrassing ruckus in parliament that came about when previous bills concerning women’s rights were proposed, such as the Women’s Protection Bill of 2006. Perhaps our expectations are too low, but we are grateful that our legislators can agree that throwing acid on a woman’s face should be illegal.

The law was not voted on this past week, owing to procedural matters such as the absence of the law minister from the chamber as well as the desire of some members of parliament to further strengthen the law. As it stands, we see nothing wrong with the law and we hope this delay does not translate into the kind of orphaning that many a worthy piece of legislation has had to endure in the past. We hope that the bill becomes law soon and that parliament is able to take up further legislation protecting women’s rights, especially protections against violence, in the coming season.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 3rd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Acid assault: Man throws three bottles of acid on wife</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/97919/acid-assault-man-throws-three-bottles-of-acid-on-wife</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/97919/acid-assault-man-throws-three-bottles-of-acid-on-wife#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jan 11 10:07:01 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[owais.raza]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=97919</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Fauzia is still in critical condition, police are searching for her husband.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A woman is struggling for her life at the Nishtar Hospital after her husband threw acid on her three days ago.

Jahanian resident Fauzia was brought into Nishtar Hospital Multan with severe burns two days ago. According to Fauzia’s family, her husband Rashid managed to escape and police have still not been able to locate him.

Village-313 Jahanian resident, Rashid, married 22-year-old Fauzia four months ago but the couple often quarreled over finances. “Fauzia often complained that her husband was abusive and beat her. They had a lot of financial problems because Rashid was a drug addict and spent all their money on feeding his addiction,” Fauzia’s neighbour Amna bibi said.

On Thursday evening, the couple had another fight and Rahid threw three bottles of acid on Fauzia. Fauzia sustained severe burns to nearly 75 per cent of her body and fainted. Neighbours contacted her parents and took her to the THQ in Jahanian, where the district superintendent police (DSP) Chaudhery Fateh Muhammad came to investigate.  “Her mother told me that her husband was a drug addict and that he had burnt two-thirds of her body,” Muhammad said.

THQ Medical Superintendent (MS) Dr Maqsood Ahmed immediately transferred Fauzia to Nishtar Hospital in Multan. “When I examined her I knew that we couldn’t give her the treatment she needed here. She was burnt beyond recognition and was barely alive,” he said.

Doctors at Nishtar Hospital Multan have said that Fauzia is still in critical condition. “We have referred her to the burn unit and she is being treated but we cannot make any claims. She has sustained third degree burns to nearly all of her body,” said Dr Rahbar Kamal, adding “One can barely see an inch of her skin intact and I am surprised she is still alive.”

Fauzia’s family said that they had filed a case with the police but nothing was being done. “The DSP took our statements but he tried to get us to settle rather than pursue the case,” said Fauzia’s mother. “I want justice for my daughter. I want Rashid to be caught and put in jail,” she said. DSP Muhammad said that the police had been raiding different places to arrest Rashid but according to residents of the area he had left his home early in the morning with his friend Kamran. “He still hasn’t contacted his family members but we are keeping a look out and will catch him soon,” the DSP said.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Angered by divorce: Ex-husband tortures mother of 12, shaves head and eyebrows</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/97950/angered-by-divorce-ex-husband-tortures-mother-of-12-shaves-head-and-eyebrows</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/97950/angered-by-divorce-ex-husband-tortures-mother-of-12-shaves-head-and-eyebrows#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Sun, 02 Jan 11 08:40:46 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shiraz.pathan]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=97950</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Victim claims her husband used to beat their children, one of whom died.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The former husband of a 45-year-old woman tortured her and shaved her head and eyebrows at gunpoint, two years after their divorce in Larkana.

The accused escaped after the incident and has yet to be located. The victim, Zohra, narrated her ordeal from the Women’s Police Station in Larkana on Saturday after she escaped from her husband, Abdul Sattar Metlo, and filed a case.

Zohra said that Abdul Sattar, a resident of Aqil Road neighbourhood, divorced her two years ago because of fights. The couple had nine sons and three daughters.

Zohra said that Abdul Sattar was not employed and had become a drug addict. Her eldest son, who worked as a labourer, used to earn for the family but Abdul Sattar tried to take away all the money. “When we protested, he used to beat me and even my children,” she said. Her eldest son became depressed from these fights and died soon after.

After the divorce, Zohra moved to Khairpur with her father and children. Here she earned a living by weaving baskets and selling dates in them.

On Saturday, Zohra went to Larkana to visit Abdul Sattar’s sister because someone in their family had died. When Abdul Sattar saw her, Zohra said, he lost control and started asking her why she left him. “He became very violent,” she said. According to Zohra, he also held a gun against her head and forced his nephews, Waheed, Wali Muhammad and Badshah, to shave her head and eyebrows. After this, he ran away from the house.

Zohra went to the women’s police station and reported her ordeal.

The police raided the house of Abdul Sattar’s sister but could not find him. Zohra told the police that Abdul Sattar may have gone to their 22-year-old daughter, who is married and lives in the Bero Chandio neighbourhood of Larkana.

Gulshan, Zohra’s daughter, said that her father came to visit her on Saturday but he left. She believed that he may be on his way to Khairpur.

SHO Zarina Chandio filed the case on the victim’s behalf and nominated her husband and his three nephews. Further investigations into the case will be held, said officer Zeenat Abro. Zohra was in police custody until the filing of this report.

Meanwhile, Zohra’s daughters, 25-year-old Momal, 24-year-old Pathani and Gulshan are married and living with their husbands. Her remaining children are sons, Muharram, Abdul Jabbar, Waqar, Hamidullah, Shamrez, Rashid and Ghulam Mustafa who are living with Zohra’s father in Khairpur.

Sindh Minister for Women Development Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto took note of this incident and ordered the police to submit a report.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2011.]]>
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			<title>Illegal marriages: K-P assembly adopts resolution against sale of women</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/97145/illegal-marriages-k-p-assembly-adopts-resolution-against-sale-of-women</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/97145/illegal-marriages-k-p-assembly-adopts-resolution-against-sale-of-women#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Fri, 31 Dec 10 04:49:28 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[manzoor.ali]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Pakistan]]></category><category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=97145</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[The resolution tabled by JUI-F’s Zarqa Bibi was unanimously approved.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa assembly on Thursday unanimously approved a resolution calling the government to ban the sale of women in the name of marriage.

The resolution, which was tabled by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) lawmaker Zarqa Bibi, stated that poor young girls from Swat, Chitral, Nowshera, Mardan, Charsadda and other parts of K-P are forced to marry older men.

It further said the girls also face physical violence and are not even allowed to meet their parents.

The resolution demanded that the provincial government should ban this practice and punish those associated with this business to discourage this trend.

It further added that all marriages should be registered at a union council level after thorough checking.

In this regard, the K-P assembly unanimously approved the resolution.

Zarqa Bibi told The Express Tribune that poverty was the main reason for selling the women and if there is no dowry the girls are not married off.

She said that most of the hapless girls were being sold off to buyers in other parts of the country – particularly Punjab for a paltry sum of Rs 50,000.

She said that it came to her notice, almost daily, that Pakhtuns in Punjab selling off girls for marriage, which is the reason she moved the resolution in the assembly.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31st, 2010.]]>
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			<title>Resolution passed to stop sale of women in KP</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96849/resolution-passed-to-stop-sale-of-women-in-kp</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96849/resolution-passed-to-stop-sale-of-women-in-kp#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 Dec 10 13:07:20 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[K-P]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=96849</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Khyber Pakhtu­nkhwa Assemb­ly unanim­ously passes resolu­tion barrin­g women being sold or marrie­d withou­t...]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly unanimously passed a resolution that  bars women from being sold, or married without consent.

The resolution was tabled by JUI-F member Zarqa Bibi during the  Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assembly's session on Thursday.

The resolution stated that an illegal network was operating in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, selling  young girls to other provinces in the name of marriage. It also stated that girls are sold to people who use them  as dancers.

The resolution was adopted unanimously by the KP Assembly.

KP Information Minister Mian Iftikhar Hussain assured the assembly  that any person involved in such acts will be dealt with an iron  hand.

He also assured the house that the government will soon introduce legislation to stop such nefarious practices.]]>
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			<title>‘Men who set dogs on woman to be arrested’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96411/%e2%80%98men-who-set-dogs-on-woman-to-be-arrested%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96411/%e2%80%98men-who-set-dogs-on-woman-to-be-arrested%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 10 21:38:55 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=96411</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Police in Salehpat ordered to arrest men who tied a woman to a tree and set dogs on her over karo kari charges.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The police in Salehpat have been ordered to arrest the men who tied a woman to a tree and set dogs on her over karo kari charges.

Nandhni’s husband Sabbir Ali Shambhani, a resident of Deh Duhlwaro, filed a petition through his lawyer Mujeebur Rehman Soomro on Wednesday and it was taken up by the Sindh High Court (SHC) bench comprising Justice Ghulam Sarwar Korai. The judge ordered the Salehpat SHO to make four arrests and to bring the men to court on January 3.

According to Soomro, Sabbir told the court that on December 24, his father Ghumman Shambhani and step-brothers Ali Madad, Ali Ganj and Ali Hassan raided his house, attacked his wife Nandhni and accused her of being kari with someone in the area. After that his father and step-brothers beat his wife and then tied her to a tree and unleashed dogs on her.

Sabbir stated that his father and step-brothers also took his seven-year-old daughter, Sheherbano, with them as well as gold, a cow, a buffalo and goats.

Soomro also said that Sabbir was worried that his daughter would be married off to an elderly man under the pretext of reconciling some karo kari dispute. Sabbir claimed that his father and step-brothers also wanted to usurp his land. He owns three acres near Salehpat.

After hearing the petition, the court directed the SHO to bring all four men and the girl before the court on January 3. The petitioner, along with his wife and two young sons, is living in Sukkur with his relatives.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2010.]]>
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			<title>The year to offend</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96403/the-year-to-offend</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96403/the-year-to-offend#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 10 17:54:23 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sami.shah]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=96403</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[10 things I hate about fat people: Pick on the angular all you want, but have pity on the bloated.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[You offend me. Want to know why? Well, that right there is a good enough reason. You offend me because you don’t know anything. Like the reason for your being so offensive to me. But that’s okay because I offend you too. I am sure of it. If I don’t, then I’ve done something wrong. Our relationship depends on it. Indeed, our very national survival depends on it. So quickly, get offended by me, just as offended as I am by you.

Still nothing? Fine (tough crowd). You’re fat.

There. That should offend you plenty. Given the reaction to an innocuously written list published in this newspaper’s weekend magazine, apparently being criticised for being fat is the greatest insult issued in the history of the world. Sandwiched between pictures of the same 12 celebrities seen in every socialite pictorial and reviews of movies I illegally downloaded weeks ago, was a list of reasons why portly people should be hated. It was a response to a list published the previous week about why skinny people should be loathed and despised. Having spent most of my life sporting the physique of a famine victim, I skimmed the anti-skinny article and moved on. As did any other readers of the gaunt persuasion. The following week’s anti-obese piece, however, caused such offence that rotund people everywhere heaved themselves off their potato-chip-dusted couches and pounded out letters of complaint on groaning keyboards. They were offended and they were going to let the world know. Pick on the angular all you want, but have pity on the bloated. What if it’s a thyroid problem?

Being offended might as well be the theme of 2010. As this wretched year groans to an exhausted end, we can look back on its months filled with enough trauma to create a calendar of misery and see nothing but people being offensive and getting offended. Faisal Shahzad began it all by offending any Pakistanis with the hopes of travelling abroad without being vigorously unmolested. He also offended al Qaeda with his incompetence. Hamid Mir was offended by his voice, deciding to go off and advise terrorists. Facebook offended us, not just by adjusting its privacy settings and thus putting pictures of all the girls we secretly stalked off limits, but by supporting blasphemy. The Lahore High Court subsequently offended us by not understanding what the internet was and how it worked. President Zardari offended us by first remaining president and then by dodging a Birmingham bootie. Cricket offended us by… well, who can keep count at this point. Veena Malik offended us because we confuse someone promoting her celebrity status with our national identity. Fasi Zaka offended us by comparing us to insects and George offended us by misunderstanding why we love violence. Jamshed Dasti offended us by existing. The list goes on.

To our credit, we give offence as effectively as we suffer it. In 2010, we continued to offend any sense of humanity that might have once existed in us by ignoring the mass murder and continued persecution of Ahmadis. Our collective neglect of the flood-destroyed nationals in our midst is fairly offensive too. As is our continued patronage of a blasphemy law that justifies a murderous mindset. Every child raped and killed this year, every woman beaten and traumatised, every human lynched without trial. Offensive, offending and offended. That list too, sadly, can go on.

It’s enough to make one hungry for apathy. Maybe in 2011 we should resolve to go on a diet of offence, if you will. After all, we can only suffer and offer so much of it. Instead of expending valuable energy by causing and being offended, let’s try to limit the opportunities for it.

I hope that idea doesn’t offend you too much.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 30th, 2010.]]>
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			<title>Gizri rapist given double death sentence</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96387/gizri-rapist-given-double-death-sentence</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96387/gizri-rapist-given-double-death-sentence#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 10 12:22:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=96387</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Anti-terrorism court awards double death sentence to Sher Khan for raping, murdering a four-year-old girl.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[The anti-terrorism court has awarded a double death sentence to  Sher Khan, a 22-year-old man convicted of raping and murdering a four-year-old girl in Karachi. 

The incident had taken place in July this year in the  Gizri area, which falls under the jurisdiction of the clifton police  station.

Investigation into the case revealed that Khan had murdered the girl and dumped her body in a garbage tank, after which he had joined in the search for the girl to avoid suspicion.

He later made the claim of discovering the victim's body and  participated in the protest against the crime committed against the girl.

“I was distracted by the devil at that time,” Sher Khan confessed to the police. “I was not thinking of the consequences.”

The Clifton police said that victim knew Sher Khan and she called him “chachu” or uncle. Khan lives in the same street as the victim's family, is the lone breadearner for his family. His father is dead and his mother is physically challenged. He has three younger siblings and they hail from Loralai.]]>
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			<title>Honour killing: Father-in-law ties woman to tree, sets dogs on her</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96067/honour-killing-father-in-law-ties-woman-to-tree-sets-dogs-on-her</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96067/honour-killing-father-in-law-ties-woman-to-tree-sets-dogs-on-her#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 10 06:45:03 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[shahzad.tabani]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Sindh]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=96067</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Couple goes to court over abducted daughter.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A woman in Sukkur was tied to a tree and her father-in-law and brothers-in-law set the dogs on her over allegations of karo kari or defiled family honour.

According to her husband Sabbir’s father, Ghaman and step-brothers Ali Madad, Meer Hassan and Ali Ganj arrived at his house one day before they attacked his wife. They persuaded Sabbir to let them take with them his seven-year-old daughter Sherbano for a two-day family visit. The next day they returned without Sherbano, accused his young wife Nandhi of karo kari, questioned her character and demanded that they be allowed to punish her. Sabbir refused to hand her over and was allegedly beaten.

They attacked Nandhi with axes and left her tied to a tree, badly injured, and let some dogs loose on her. When the villagers heard their screams and reached the scene the culprits had already left. They also ransacked the couple’s home and took with them two tolas of gold, a cow, a buffalo and three goats.

The incident itself took place six days ago. Sabbir defended his wife, with whom he also has two sons, and claims that the entire series of events are part of a plot to take over his land, about three acres in Saleh Pat near RD 86.

Sabbir says he went to the police, who arrested the men but then released them after a payment of Rs15,000. He complained that the police were being deliberately unhelpful.

The couple went to the Sindh High Court, Sukkur bench, to appeal for help on Tuesday but arrived too late. They are going to try again today. Sherbano is still with her grandfather and uncles, where she is likely to be protected. Part of the problem is that the entire family lives in the same village where people are reportedly afraid of standing up to Sabbir’s father and his step brothers.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29th, 2010.]]>
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			<title>A rape victim’s struggle for justice</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96145/a-rape-victim%e2%80%99s-struggle-for-justice</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/96145/a-rape-victim%e2%80%99s-struggle-for-justice#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 10 06:19:22 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=96145</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Woman who was allegedly raped by a local landlord has been trying to file a police report for ten days.]]>
			</description>
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				<![CDATA[A woman who was allegedly raped by a local landlord has been trying to file a police report for ten days. The woman’s husband told reporters that one of the local village landlords Afzaal Sheikh broke into his house and raped his wife. He said that he and his wife had been trying to register a case with the local police for the past ten days but the police refused to take the case.

The woman said that she already had a medical certificate proving that she had been sexually assaulted but the police still refused to take the case seriously.

“It was only after we contacted the press and went with reporters to the police station that they finally registered the case against the landlord,” she said.

The woman told reporters that she and her husband had visited several police stations, including those in Toba Tek Singh and Faisalabad but police officials had not yet started an investigation.

Thaana Nawan SHO Saboor Ali told the couple that he was not ‘responsible for catching the accused in the case’ and police officials at the Toba Tek Singh station told them the accused had escaped and was in Karachi.

“They simply don’t want to pursue the case,” her husband said, adding that he and his wife had appealed to the Punjab chief minister to intervene on their behalf.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 29th, 2010.]]>
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			<title>Man arrested for killing third wife</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/93604/man-arrested-for-killing-third-wife</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/93604/man-arrested-for-killing-third-wife#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 10 07:49:17 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[express]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=93604</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[Reports suggest previous two wives of the murderer had also died under mysterious circumstances.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[A post-mortem report on Thursday confirmed the involvement of a man in the murder of his wife in Multan after torturing her.

The victim, Saba, who was 18 years of age was the third wife of a local homeopath by the name of Dr Munir.

Reports suggest the previous two wives of the murderer had also died under mysterious circumstances.

The body of the victim was about to be buried when a police officer raided the burial ceremony, took the body into police custody and sent it for autopsy.

Residents of the area claimed that the accused had tortured his previous wives. Police officials say evidence has been found proving their claim to be true.

Previously The Express Tribune had reported that according to local NGO called the Human Development Foundation every hour two women are beaten in Pakistan. Almost a year after being cheered by the National Assembly on August 4, 2009, the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill has still not been passed, despite the minister of Women Development being Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani himself.

In June this year, a report by the Aurat Foundation said that violence against women had risen by 13 per cent in 2009. With reports of such cases maintaining frequency this calendar, the percentage looks set to rise this year too.]]>
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			<title>Sexual harassment bill: ‘Implement law to protect women’</title>
			<link>https://tribune.com.pk/story/93458/sexual-harassment-bill-%e2%80%98implement-law-to-protect-women%e2%80%99</link>
			<comments>https://tribune.com.pk/story/93458/sexual-harassment-bill-%e2%80%98implement-law-to-protect-women%e2%80%99#comments</comments>
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Dec 10 06:48:45 +0500</pubDate>
			<dc:creator>
				<![CDATA[sehrish.wasif]]>
			</dc:creator>
			<category><![CDATA[Punjab]]></category>
			<guid isPermaLink="false">https://tribune.com.pk/?p=93458</guid>
			<description>
				<![CDATA[LHWs in Chakwal devoid of salaries since three months.]]>
			</description>
			<content:encoded>
				<![CDATA[For the last three months the Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in Chakwal District have not received their salaries. Most of them are the sole bread-earners for their families. And among them, is a widow who has two daughters and is facing a tough time due to lack of finances.

This lady health worker, who did not want to share her identity, was invited to attend an event titled “Moving Forward with the Rights of Working Women” in Islamabad on Wednesday, at the Prime Minister Secretariat.

It was the 10th working women’s assembly, organised by Alliance against Sexual Harassment (AASHA).

AASHA’s chairperson Dr Fouzia Saeed said that media, by highlighting the brutalities being faced by women, was hindering the victims in their pursuit of justice. “And the anchors of TV shows who are cashing in on such things to attain fame [are doing these women no good],” she said.

The objective behind the event was to raise a “forceful voice” for early implementation of anti-sexual harassment law and praise the efforts of working women for the country’s development.

Prime Minister (PM) Yousuf Raza Gilani, Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza, Special Assistant to the PM on Social Sector Shahnaz Wazir, and Federal Minister of Women Development Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan attended the event. Moreover, parliamentarians, ambassadors, officials of Islamabad Traffic Police, Islamabad Police and civil society representatives from across the country were also present on the occasion.

“The LHW programme was initiated by Benazir Bhutto, but unfortunately her own representatives are being treated as step children,” Saeed said.

The hosts silenced her and warned not to ask out-of-context questions from the prime minister and stick to issues related to the sexual harassment.

Speaking on the occasion Gilani announced December 22 to be celebrated as “National Day of Pakistani Women”.

He also announced Musarat Hilali, from Malakand, as an ombudsman to legally deal with sexual harassment issues of working women under Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act 2010.

PM Gilani said, “There will be no gender discrimination and references will not be required for vacancies in government departments. All such vancancies will be filled on merit.”

He assured that the workplace harassment bill will be effectively implemented in the country.

On the occasion, Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan announced that a “women task forum” will be created soon with an aim to involve rural women in decision making process.

She said, “A lot is needed to empower the women of the country socially, culturally, and economically.”

While speaking about the passage of the harassment bill, Dr Fehmida Mirza said, “After the passage of 18th Amendment the domestic violence bill will be passed unanimously from the National Assembly.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2010.]]>
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