KARACHI:
With public attention diverted towards the ongoing political and economic chaos, society is fast moving towards complete degeneration. Every day we come across news and videos of violence, abuse, sexual assault, etc. All citizens feel constantly threatened and find themselves in a state of paranoia. It seems that women’s rights are only limited to the Constitution as most people remain unaware of the due rights of the female population. The disregard for women’s rights is present across different sections of Pakistani society. Last year, we witnessed the brutal murder of Noor Mukaddam by Zahir Jaffer who came from an educated family and was practising as a therapist. More recently, Khadija, a medical student in Faisalabad, was tortured and abused by a wealthy businessman for refusing to marry him.
Given that the elected representatives are busy in their political tug of war, the wayward elements in society have taken this as an opportunity to spread further chaos and violence by committing crimes against women, children, and minorities. Political turmoil and contest are nothing new to Pakistan, yet the media and politicians have given it precedence over the social decline and ongoing monsoon havoc. This time the political representatives have resorted to blaming climate change for the flooding and subsequent destruction. As always, they will accept little responsibility for poor planning, mismanagement, and a lack of infrastructure development.
Many people have lost their lives and thousands have lost their homes due to the flooding. This coupled with declining social morals, lawlessness, and disorderliness presents a dismal picture of the country. One cannot help but wonder if and when the government and opposition will recognise the plight of the people and work collaboratively in resolving the woes of the masses. This political circus must end, people should be given relief, the country must be put on the path of recovery, and all those convicted of crimes must receive stringent punishments.
Habiba Zakir
Mardan
Published in The Express Tribune, August 23rd, 2022.
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