A call to action, in the shadows of our vibrant cultures and rich traditions, a dark and troubling reality persists- gender based violence. I am writing to draw attention to this alarming issue where from the cities to the villages women are surviving in the bustling fire of inhuman activities. This issue has been embedded into our patriarchal structure since ages this traces back to the colonial laws and traditional customs that continue to oppress women today.
Let me call out few cases in front of you which are never brought to the screens hence, no considerations.
(2016) Qandeel Baloch a model strangled to death by her brother Muhammad Waseem described as honor killing. (2018) Zainab Ansari a 7 year old girl raped and murdered on her way to a Quran class. (2021) Noor Mukaddam a 27 year old woman murdered by her friend Zahir Jaffer without a cause. (2023) Ayesha Bibi from punjab filed a case against her husband for marital rape and physical abuse. (2024) Aisha Ahmed from Rawalpindi harassed and attacked by her fellow student who has been stalking and making unwanted advances.
These are some of them which are reported many of them are still undefined. The rise in such violence is a stark reminder that, despite our progress in various fields, we are failing in one of the most vital aspects of human dignity. Let us imagine a Pakistan where every woman can walk freely and confidently without the fear of violence shadowing their steps.
