KARACHI: Federal Minister for Women’s Development Sherry Rehman on Monday condemned the killing, allegedly for ‘honour’, of a 17-year-old girl in Khairpur district of Sindh.

The killing took place early this year, but was reported by the media on Monday. “This is an inhuman crime and our government is determined to bring culprits to book,” she told reporters.

She said the girl, Tasleem Solangi, was killed by her uncle after her father refused to hand over his property to his brother.

“The girl was thrown in front of dogs that mauled her before her uncle shot her dead. This is the cruellest form of crime against a human being. The perpetrators will be given exemplary punishment to ensure that such crimes are never repeated,” she said. “The government has ordered the officials concerned to take urgent action. We will ensure that arrests are made and a case is registered at the earliest.”

Sherry said the government, the media and the people had to perform their due role to discourage such crimes in the society. She said that pressure groups should be established apart from strict legislation to protect women from becoming victims of such crimes. Separately, she said a new health policy was being framed to help streamline the health sector in Pakistan. Talking to reporters during a visit to the Indus Hospital in Korangi, she said a task force had been formed and was about to submit its report. She said the allocation for the health sector had been increased substantially for the first time in Pakistan, and it would be increased further.
Source: Daily Times
Date:10/28/2008