Impunity against sexual abuse

In yet another harrowing incident, a man exposed himself and assaulted a woman in Karachi’s Gulistan-i-Jauhar. The incident recorded on a CCTV camera was shared on social media and gained widespread attention. Sindh Information Minister and Chief Minister took notice of the shameful act and directed the Sindh inspector general of police and Karachi additional inspector general of police to “immediately arrest the culprit and deal with him according to the law.” On Friday, the local police officially lodged a case based on the state complaint at the Jauhar police station.

This incident is yet another reminder of Pakistan’s inability to guarantee the safety and security of women and the impunity enjoyed by men harassing and abusing women in both public and private domains. Media reports have revealed that the victim has been identified but her family has refused to cooperate in the investigation, which suggests that the culprit must have also been identified by his family, friends, and acquaintances. Unfortunately, though no one will come forward to report him. Two private security guards who witnessed the incident have also been questioned by the police. Had the guards acted immediately, the culprit could have been caught. Their behaviour reflects Pakistani society’s bystander attitude at large with regard to violence and abuse against women.

The overall misogynistic environment discourages victims from lodging FIRs as they are likely to be reprimanded by law enforcement officials and their families and face life-long stigmatisation. Our society and justice system have failed women leaving little hope for any betterment. Evidently, perpetrators do not fear consequences even when they are recorded on cameras because they are well aware of the weaknesses of our justice system and overall misogynistic mindsets. This situation begs the question is there any place for women in Pakistani society?

Published in The Express Tribune, July 8^th, 2023.

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