Free legal assistance for women launched
A free legal assistance programme for needy female victims of sexual harassment and social injustice has been launched in Balochistan.
Former Balochistan ombudsperson Sabra Islam Advocate said on Saturday said that under the legal assistance programme, “Sheer Zal Law Academy”, a team of legal experts will be available to provide free legal assistance to poor and deprived women.
She deplored that many women in Balochistan were victims of harassment and domestic violence and that their rights were exploited under the guise of tribal tradition.
During my services as provincial ombudsperson, I came across many cases in which women were reportedly harassed by various private and public institutions, she said.
In our society, people who apparently look gentle, wearing the cloak of nobility, have been found involved in crimes, which is a worrisome matter, she lamented.
Sabra noted that the process of accountability was vital to rid the society of elements involved in harassment.
“If harassment is still not addressed, the society will sink into the depths of immorality and the exploitation of women will continue unabated,” she said, stressing the need for joint efforts against the eradication of social evils.
It is our mission to provide free legal assistance to the victims of harassment and injustice, including girls and women of Balochistan, and all conscious sections of the society can play their role by supporting our efforts in this struggle, she added.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 22nd, 2023.