KARACHI:
Pakistan has been grappling with patriarchal practices since the independence, something this is significantly hindering the national development. Being a native of Sindh, I believe this province has been particularly conservative regarding women’s empowerment. A decade ago, the situation was even worse. Girls’ schools were often converted into guesthouses for feudal landlords, and incidents of “honour” killings were prevalent. I witnessed countless women and girls killed in the name of so-called honour, including a young woman murdered simply for owning a mobile phone. Child marriage was another pressing issue. Importantly, these laws primarily targeted ordinary people, while the feudal elite remained exempt.
However, a gradual shift is being witnessed nowadays. Schools, once occupied by feudal landlords, are now functioning; child marriages have declined; and “honour” killing incidents are less frequent. Yet, challenges persist. I believe that eradicating the feudal system is crucial to achieving true freedom for all. Patriarchy thrives under the manipulation of these feudal landlords. I hope we will go past this dark chapter of our national life and build a prosperous future.
Arshad Ali
Lahore
