Punjab

CJ takes suo motu notice of Muzaffargarh gang rape

Orders Punjab police to present report by February 4.

Web Desk February 01, 2014

the rape was allegedly ordered to avenge the illicit relations between the victim 039 s brother and another woman photo file

The rape was allegedly ordered to avenge the illicit relations between the victim's brother and another woman. PHOTO: FILE

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice Tassaduq Hussain Jillani took suo motu notice of the alleged gang rape of a widow that took place in Muzaffargarh district on January 24, reported Express News.

He established a 3-member bench of judges and ordered the Punjab police to file a report by February 4.

The alleged rape was ordered by the 40-member panchayat as punishment for the victim’s brother’s alleged relations with another woman.

Background

The incident took place on January 24 when five men locked the widow inside a room while the panchayat — who had declared that ‘honour should be exchanged for honour’ — waited outside.

A medical report conducted on Thursday stated that the alleged victim had in fact not been raped. The victim also denied the allegation and said that she did not want to pursue a case in this regard and wants the matter to be resolved.

The accused maintain that while they did take the widow into a room and strip her naked, she was not raped.

COMMENTS (6)

ali ahmed | 10 years ago | Reply so many suo moto notices collecting dust in S.C.

lkhan | 10 years ago | Reply The gender issue in Pakistan is a priority, needs awareness, justice, and above all equality - civil society ought to take up each injustice in the country perpetrated against women as it is a first step towards a developed nation. Any woman stripped or raped has her human rights violated. Unless those who perpetrate such atrocities are brought to justice, this country is failing 50% of its human resources - a fifty percent that given its rights could increase GDP growth considerably, and much more for the welfare of future generations. Each such crime is a shame on the nation, and certainly not ordained by Islam. It is good that the media gives coverage which brings awareness, if I may add, three cheers to the Chief Justice - it is a most important issue.