Action needs to be taken'

Both Pakistan and India are grappling with a disturbing surge in violence against women and children, with recent incidents igniting widespread outrage across the region. In Pakistan, the brutal murder of 20-year-old Sania Zehra and the alleged rape of a 5-year-old in a government hospital have sent shockwaves through the country. Simultaneously, India is reeling from the rape and murder of a young doctor in Kolkata, an atrocity that has resonated globally.

The violence has not gone unnoticed, with prominent artists from both sides of the border raising their voices in protest, demanding justice and urging swift action against the perpetrators.

Demand for justice

In Pakistan, actor Bushra Ansari expressed her anguish and called for severe punishment for the culprits. In an Instagram video captioned, "Please punish the culprits… We want to see their misery. The heart cries tears of blood," Bushra spoke directly to the shared pain felt by many, regardless of nationality or religion.

"Whether they're Indian or Pakistani, Hindu, Muslim or Christian, our young girls are the same. The men who prey on the weak, are they really men?" Bushra questioned. She drew attention to the brutality inflicted on children, saying, "They do that to children as well. Whether it's at a madrasa or church or any place you're able to make young children a target. Who told them that they can do this? That they have this power and right to destroy an innocent?"

Bushra's plea extended across borders as she referenced the heinous crime in Kolkata. "The girl in Kolkata, did they think she was a plastic doll? They shattered her into pieces and destroyed her. I don't understand this mindset. Animals are better than these people because at least they'll only attack you if provoked in the jungle. They won't come into your house or hospital and attack you."

Her powerful words culminated in a demand for justice, stressing that true change will only come with severe punishments that deter such heinous acts. "The time for talk is over, action needs to be taken. You announce the death sentences but never give the punishment. Someone needs to step up and do something and be the hero we need. There needs to be a policy about this where the punishment is so severe that one thinks twice before committing this crime."

A collective failure

Echoing her sentiments, television actor Ahsan Khan also took to social media, sharing his deep sorrow and frustration over the situation. "The culprits should be given severe punishment. My heart breaks for the 5-year-old girl in Lahore. We must stand united against such horrific acts and protect our children from this evil."

Ahsan's message was clear: the collective failure to protect vulnerable children is a grave moral failing. "Every single child that has been abused is a child that we have failed. The failure is unconscionable, immoral, and unforgivable. I wonder how one makes up for it and do not know if atonement of such criminal negligence is even possible."

Time for action

As these incidents continue to increase, it becomes evident that the time to act is now. Women must equip themselves with the tools and knowledge necessary to defend their personal safety. While societal and structural changes are urgently needed to address the root causes of this violence, individual preparedness can provide immediate, albeit partial, reassurance in these unsettling times.

Actor Sehar Khan recently voiced her concerns on Instagram about the safety of women in Pakistan. With a heavy heart, she acknowledged the grim reality many women face and urged everyone to take their safety very seriously.

Sehar, in her message, spoke not just as a public figure but as a sister and a fellow woman who understands the gravity of these dangers. She revealed that she has taken her safety into her own hands by purchasing a taser, and she encouraged other women to do the same or to find whatever means of protection they feel comfortable with. "They're affordable and easy to get online," she noted, stressing the importance of accessibility to such protective measures. "Sorry to all the women who've faced this," she said, acknowledging the unfortunate reality that many have already suffered due to the cowardly actions of perpetrators.

Her message was not just one of caution but also one of empowerment. She urged women to be strong and to make it clear that they will not be easy targets. "Remember, these guys are nothing but cowards, so be prepared to defend yourself," Sehar asserted, calling for a collective stance of resilience and vigilance. As nations grapple with these horrifying acts of violence, the voices of artists are amplifying the call for immediate and decisive action to protect the most vulnerable members of society.