Haseena Khan a councillor in Rang Mohalla, said she helps women seek justice by knocking the court’s doors. “In case of violence, we first get an FIR registered then sue the aggressor.” PHOTO: REUTERS
“I have raised my voice in Parliament time and again [to develop] new laws so that domestic violence could be put to an end,” Ayesha Syed, an MNA from Swat, told The Express Tribune. “Some of the existing laws can help punish those who harass women. Unfortunately, these laws do not apply to Swat and the adjoining districts.”
Shamsheer Ali, an activist who deals with cases of domestic violence, said the laws that deal with domestic abuse include Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2010 and Acid Control and Acid Crime Prevention Bill.
To stand guard
Many women in Swat believe they should stand up to domestic violence.
Asma Khan, who survived domestic violence, said her marriage was breaking, but she made all possible efforts to salvage were relationship with her husband. As a result, she even suffered violence at the hands of her husband.
“My husband did not have a job,” Asma told The Express Tribune. “I worked as a supervisor in a company and whenever I would ask him why he did not contribute to the household by doing some work, he would beat me.”
Nargis, a resident of Mingora, urged women to take action against domestic violence, saying they should not be subjected to harassment in any form.
Mahjabeen, a resident of Charbagh tehsil, said women should be given the right to express their opinions. “Men should honour women and should not undermine their importance.”
Haseena Khan a councillor in Rang Mohalla, said she helps women seek justice by knocking the court’s doors. “In case of violence, we first get an FIR registered then sue the aggressor.”
Published in The Express Tribune, August 21st, 2016.
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