Up in arms: Social activists protest against honour killings

Demand government enact laws against gender discrimination

MINGORA: Social activists in Swat took to the streets on Thursday in protest against honour killings.

The activists gathered in front of Swat Press Club and shouted slogans against the government for failing to act against such customs.

While addressing the protesters, rights activist Irfan Hussain Babak said, “People take the law into their hands without hesitation in matters where women are involved.” He added, “The growing number of victims of honour killings in Swat district is a matter of concern.”

He maintained both the federal and provincial governments have been negligent over the matter.

He pointed out it was the responsibility of the government to protect rights of women and punish the wrongdoers according to the law.

On the occasion, other rights activists also expressed deep concern over killings in the name of honour. They said the annual report of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) unveiled cases of honour killings and also exposed the police for failing to apprehend the culprits.

“The annual report of HRCP is a slap on the face of our police department,” said a protester.

Meanwhile, rights activists criticised the government for not extending the existing laws on women’s rights to Swat. They demanded the government enact new laws against gender discrimination.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 22^nd, 2016.