Approximately 60 to 90 per cent women have fallen victim to some form of gendered violence in Pakistan
TURBAT: Approximately 60 to 90 per cent women have fallen victim to some form of gendered violence in Pakistan. This includes disfigurement, torture, and rape and acid attacks among other forms of abuse. Acid attacks are particularly carried out to distort the physical features of the woman, and sometime even the internal organs and is usually done as an act of revenge following refusal of a proposal. Other than the physical damage, victims also undergo long-term emotional and mental trauma. Despite the large number of cases being reported, most victims do not pursue legal action due to pressure and influence by the perpetrators. Majority of the victims of acid attacks are reported to be girls and even children, while a relatively small percentage of women are also targeted. The practice has been going on for years, but has gained in intensity recently and campaigns have been launched aimed at stopping the heinous crime. Perpetrators should be given deterrent punishment. This is the only way to stop the crime. Considering the gravity of the crime and the horrible effects it has on the victims, the government, legislators, clerics and all the stakeholders should act to bring this abominable crime to an end.
Mahwash Haji Sharif
Published in The Express Tribune, May 3rd, 2019.
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