KARACHI:
In the shadows of our vibrant cultures and rich traditions, a dark and troubling reality persists — gender based violence. This issue has been embedded into our patriarchal structure since ages. It traces back to the colonial laws and traditional customs that continue to oppress women today. Let me mention a few cases here.
In 2016, Qandeel Baloch a model was strangled to death by her brother Muhammad Waseem in the name of so-called honour. In 2018, Zainab Ansari, a 7-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Kasur. In 2021, Noor Mukaddam, 27, was murdered in Islamabad by her friend Zahir Jaffer without a cause. In 2023, Ayesha Bibi from Punjab filed a case against her husband for marital rape and physical abuse. In 2024, Aisha Ahmed from Rawalpindi was harassed and attacked by her fellow student who had been stalking her and making unwanted advances.
These are some of the cases that have been reported. Many are still undefined. The rise in such violence is a stark reminder that, despite our progress in various fields, we are failing in one of the most vital aspects of human dignity. Let us imagine a Pakistan where every woman can walk freely and confidently without the fear of violence shadowing their steps.
Taseer Fatima
Islamabad
