KARACHI:
Gender-based violence in the country, particularly the rise in femicide, is a growing concern. It is a matter of grave concern that women continue to face discrimination, violence and injustice despite constitutional guarantees of equality and fundamental rights.
Women are deprived of freedom, dignity, education, equal opportunities – and most of all the right to make choices. They are sacrificed in the name of honour and cultural traditions. Unfortunately, almost every day, newspapers and television channels report tragic incidents of violence against women. The incidents of harassment, domestic violence, acid attacks, honour killings, marital abuse, sexual assaults against women has become a serious menace. These crimes not only destroy individual lives but also undermine the moral fabric of the nation.
Protecting women is not solely the responsibility of the government or law enforcement agencies. A safe society is built when respect for women becomes a social value rather than merely a legal requirement. Until every woman can walk freely without fear, pursue her ambitions without discrimination, and live with dignity without violence, our struggle for justice remains unfinished. The true measure of a nation’s progress lies not its economic success, but in the empowerment of its women. Unless we treat our women with dignity, we cannot be called a peaceful, prosperous and truly civilised society.
Syed Asif Shah
Mastung
