Another name becomes a rallying cry

Celebrities and citizens rally around Eshal Fatima's case as questions over women's safety reignite national debate

The death of 17-year-old Eshal Fatima in Punjab's Jhang has triggered a fresh wave of public outrage over the safety of women and girls in Pakistan, prompting celebrities, activists and social media users to demand justice while reigniting debate about systemic failures in protecting vulnerable citizens.

Eshal, a first-year college student, reportedly left her home on June 4 after being contacted through a neighbour and told she would be taken to Multan for clothes shopping. According to the first information report filed by her father, she never returned home. Her family's attempts to reach her proved unsuccessful as her mobile phone remained switched off.

The case took a tragic turn on June 7 when family members received a phone call informing them that Eshal's condition had deteriorated and that she had been admitted to a private hospital. She later died at the District Headquarters Hospital, sparking allegations that she had been abducted days earlier.

As news of the incident spread, prominent figures from Pakistan's entertainment industry joined calls for accountability. Singer Hadiqa Kiani shared a message demanding swift justice, describing Eshal as yet another victim of violence against women. She also highlighted statistics relating to violence against women, underscoring concerns about the scale of the problem.

Actor Sabeena Farooq used her social media platform to express frustration over gender-based violence and broader societal attitudes that often place women at the centre of scrutiny rather than focusing attention on perpetrators. Her posts referenced issues ranging from harassment and acid attacks to honour killings and discrimination.

Actor Momina Iqbal echoed similar concerns, criticising what she described as a culture of victim-blaming. She argued that women are frequently judged for their choices and character while attention shifts away from those responsible for crimes. Her comments resonated widely among users who said such attitudes discourage victims and families from seeking justice.

Actor Mishi Khan questioned delays in the legal process and called for faster trials and tougher punishments for offenders. Her remarks reflected a broader public demand for reforms aimed at improving the speed and effectiveness of the justice system.

Adding her voice to the discussion, actor Mahira Khan, speaking during a visit to the United Kingdom, expressed anger over violence against women and urged men to take a more active role in condemning abuse and supporting efforts to combat it.

Meanwhile, a preliminary post-mortem report stated that no evidence of sexual assault or physical violence had been found on Eshal's body. The report also noted that she was diabetic and had been using insulin for several years.

Even so, the circumstances surrounding her death continue to fuel public concern and calls for a thorough investigation. Beyond the details of a single case, Eshal Fatima's death has become a focal point for a larger conversation about women's safety, accountability and the urgent need for stronger protections in Pakistan.