Women’s action forum: ‘SC verdict makes women less secure’

LAHORE: The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) has expressed concern over the outcome of the Mukhtaran Mai case, saying it will encourage violence against women.

“The decision of the Supreme Court is nothing but a strong message to perpetrators to commit crimes against women with impunity. It is a set back for the efforts being made to secure justice for women, particularly in rape cases,” said the WAF in a statement. “The sanctity of the principles of due process and fair trial are in no way compromised by an approach in judicial scrutiny that is both aware and sensitive to social realities and institutional flaws,” it said, adding that the full bench of the Supreme Court should review the case. The forum urged civil society to continue their support of Mukhtaran Mai and to insist on protection and justice for her and other women in Pakistan. It said it would monitor the steps taken by the federal government and the Punjab government to protect Mukhtaran Mai.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 25^th, 2011.