Keeping altruism alive: ‘We will continue Parveen Rehman’s mission’

Civil society forms team to map out ways to protest OPP director’s death.

KARACHI: Even two days after long-term Orangi Pilot Project director Parveen Rehman was gunned down in Manghopir, civil society members were no less angry than the moment they heard about the incident.

Representatives of civil society organisations gathered at the Pakistan Medical Association House on Friday, to show their support for OPP and also map out a plan of action to bring Rehman’s killers to justice. Condemning the incident, they decided that not only will they struggle to continue Rehman’s mission but will also use any platform they can to pressure law enforcement agencies to nab those behind her death. The organisations also formed a committee to arrange a massive protest in the city against the tragedy.

Seasoned politician Meraj Muhammad Khan said that without a mass movement which included teachers, students and journalists, the suspects would remain free. “We have to use our efforts wisely. Show how bold you are, but do so with sanity. We also have to protest against the fact that people are being targeted even though government officials claim to be looking out for us,” he said.

Karamat Ali, the director of Pakistan Institute of Labour Education Reseach, said, “We have to start from where she was targeted. We should go to the OPP for at least the next two weeks so that we can deliver a message to the men who targeted such a kind and valiant woman.”



Abdul Waheed Khan, the programme manager of OPP’s Charitable Trust, said that Rehman had received threats from land grabbers and owners of illegal hydrants. “We have decided to continue her mission. We won’t let her die in our hearts. We’ll keep her mission alive.” He also urged people to try to trace out Rehman’s killers by analysing her work over the last three years. “She had no threats from the community because they call her their own mother. Everyone knows who had targeted her but no one is taking the killers’ names,” he said.

The speakers heavily criticised the government and its institutions, including the police and intelligence agencies, saying that they had failed to perform their roles.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 16^th, 2013.