The manner in which the family shot her, placed her body in a sack and threw it into the water reflects a cold, sadistic mindset. PHOTO: FILE
The manner in which the family shot her, placed her body in a sack and threw it into the water reflects a cold, sadistic mindset. It is as if they were throwing feed into a fish pond, waiting for it to take its course down the water or land in some lucky feeder’s mouth. However, this was their own relative — daughter, sister and niece. But it is not shocking to those who are familiar with the culture because it is a common occurrence; oftentimes, a women subjected to coldblooded murder is a relative of the perpetrators. The stories are numerous and bizarre, bringing great shame to the culture of Pakistan, whether they take place in Sindh or Punjab. The list of unjust practices towards women is lengthy and the practices range from karo kari (‘honour’ killings), vani, demanding of dowry, blatantly crossing out clauses in marriage documents that grant women divorce rights and prohibiting women to work. These practices can occur at any socio-economic level.
Until all of the alleged criminals in the Gujranwala case are brought under police custody and face due process of law for attempted murder, our protests must continue. We owe it to humanity to support this woman and all women of Pakistan like her, until laws are strictly implemented and criminals stand on scaffolds to receive the punishment they deserve. Authorities have to try these criminals, make their cases publicly known and work with those in the corridors of power to implement harsh laws against transgressors. Once that is in place, we can begin to educate generations on respect for women and gender equality by using these examples to teach the consequences of such actions.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 15th, 2014.
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In the name of tradition the said honor killings take place. respect to the traditions is fed in the minds of the family members from the childhood and the societal pressure keeps it high to maintain. Unless a mindset is developed to tolerate a different view the said traditions will be accorded highest place and to be adhered at all cost.
In a society which accepts women as nothing more than cattle, such killings will carry on. It is an uphill task to change such mindset. The wind of change you expect is in fact blowing in the opposite direction. Conservatives want women to be out of sight from public. Family traditions must change. To say that you should respect your parents should not mean to accept their diktat blindly and sometimes women can disagree if it is her wish or in her interest.