ISLAMABAD: Dr Marilyn Wyatt, wife of US Ambassador to Pakistan Cameron Munter, joined Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy in calling for an end to acid attacks and other violence against women during a panel discussion on Tuesday at the Higher Education Commission.
The panel discussion, attended by an audience of more than 150 university students and officials from across Pakistan, was sponsored jointly by the Higher Education Commission, the Aurat Foundation and the Acid Survivors Foundation with the US support.
Applauding the efforts of the Pakistani legislature to pass acid attack legislation, Dr Wyatt asked the attendees to work to end gender-based violence, specifically acid attacks.
Dr Wyatt said, “The main objective of this event is to raise awareness among university age students about the devastating effects of acid attacks and acid crimes on Pakistani society. Pakistan’s youth demographic represents 60 percent of the nation’s citizenry, it is important that you sensitise yourself to this important issue so that your mothers, sisters, and daughters do not suffer from this gruesome crime.”
Dr Wyatt also noted that the US assistance helps empower Pakistani women through civil society, academia, and the government.
The panel featured Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy and Professor Hamid Hassan, a doctor who heads the burn unit at the Benazir Bhutto International Hospital in Rawalpindi; Dr Khadija Tahir, a psychotherapist who treats acid survivors; Barrister Naveed Muzaffar Khan, a barrister who defends victims of acid attacks; and representatives from the Acid Survivors Foundation and Aurat Foundation.
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Dr. Asad Sadick with all due respect I as a woman disagree that outsiders should get involved in issues related to Pakistan and what has been your contribution to solve said women's issues. Living in Germany is an escape of NOT being on the ground to actually make a difference that said the American senator had no business getting involved in Balouchistan at the same time Sherry Rehman's husband is welcome to speak about the inequities in racial attitudes in America and the Pakistani embassy needs a louder voice to relay to Americans the frustrations Pakistanis feel about American policies.
All true and right, but I still think the Americans should not meddle in our affairs, however, heinous they may be. First you have this Senator meddling about Balouchistan and now this. Would amount to same thing if Sherry Rehmans husband spoke out against the still present racial indiscrimination against blacks and Hispanics in the US.
Destroying one's naturally endowed physical appearance not only devastates one's life but also plays with God's creation. How come no maulana give a Futwa on this heinous act.
The apathy of general public on this issue is just abysmal contrary to their attachment with Oscar Awards.
@Truth Teller: I am in full agreement. There could be nothing worse for anybody than loosing ones beauty, and suffering all the other side effects and problems for a lifetime.
Excellent motive to educate the Pakistanis about the after effects of this heinious crime against women & humanity.