Female MPs demand ‘public hanging’ for rapists

NA lawmakers slam violence against women and children

ISLAMABAD:

The female MNAs from both sides of the isle have demanded public execution of those involved in violence against women, particularly in the grisly murder case of former Pakistani envoy’s daughter Noor Mukadam.

The National Assembly, during Friday’s proceedings, unanimously condemned the gruesome acts of violence against women and children, especially the murder of Noor.

Noor, 27, was found beheaded in a posh neighbourhood of the federal capital on July 20. Police have charged Zahir Jaffer, a US national and scion of one of Pakistan's wealthiest families, with murder.

PML-N’s MNA Romina Khurshid regretted that a mother was raped and then murdered in front of a 14-month-old baby.

“Noor and other women are killed but this House does not even offer Fateha for them. Political rivalries must be set aside to consider this issue,” she added.

After Romina pointed this out, the House then offered Fateha for Noor and the other slain women.

PTI MNA Asma Qadeer burst into tears and said women must be given their rights if the country had to be run.

Also read: Grisly murder of Noor Mukadam sparks outrage over femicides in Pakistan

“Pakistan won’t run like this. Those who rape and kill women should be hanged in public,” she added.

PML-N’s Mehnaz Akbar Aziz and PPP’s Shamim Ara Panhwar also backed this suggestion.

JUI-F MNA Shahida Akhtar Ali said the Constitution of Pakistan did not allow any un-Islamic legislation.

“Such incidents will happen when we do not train children,” she added.

PTI MNA Ghazala Saifi maintained that the country would not become better until 52% of its population was given protection.

PML-N’s Nosheen Iftikhar suggested forming a parliamentary committee to review rape cases.

Federal Human Rights Minister Dr Shireen Mazari informed the House that the Noor murder case was going in the right direction so far.

“Along with law enforcement, training and mindset is also necessary,” she added.

 PML-N’s Khurram Dastgir said there was no justification for violence or killing in our religion as well as the Constitution.

“The entire House is unanimous on this issue. It should be taken as a test case,” he added.

State Minister for Climate Change Zartaj Gul said for the first time, the government was becoming a plaintiff in murder and rape cases against women and children.

She added that Islamabad police had set up a gender protection unit and anyone could call on 8090 for help against women harassment and child abuse.

The session was adjourned till Monday when PML-N’s Sheikh Fayyaz pointed out the lack of quorum.