NADEEM ZAFAR

The abuse of women in Pakistan is under-reported. Amongst other reasons is the stigma attached to abuse and the role of the authorities during follow-up investigations. I cannot understand why religious parties come out in droves whenever women demand their due rights but are nowhere to be seen whenever incidents of abuse of women are reported in the national press.

Recently, a woman physician was assaulted in Balochistan and a maid servant was raped, doused in kerosene and torched in Karachi. Why did these same protesters not come out in large numbers, demanding appropriate justice and asking the government to take steps to protect the honour and lives of our daughters, sisters, wives and mothers? If this is not a selective and selfish interpretation of Islam, then one doesn’t know what else is.
NADEEM ZAFAR
Memphis, USA
Source: Dawn
Date:1/30/2005