Daily Times

Sir: Recently, I was walking on the streets of Gulshan-e-Iqbal. It was a hot, sunny day and I did not have enough money for a rickshaw. In this scorching heat the other alternative would have been the local bus, which I dread. I had a veil on and took all the necessary measures to prevent gawking and hooting from fellow pedestrians. I reluctantly stepped onto the bus and was at the edge of the door due to the massive number of people on the bus. Out of nowhere I sensed someone touching my lower back region and squeezing my thigh and hip. I became paralysed in shock and fear. I had the veil on and the complimentary abaya so how was I able to attract such a rogue? According to the mainstream male population a woman must cover herself so that she does not attract attention. I was covered from head to toe but that did not seem to stop him. Where is the solution? Our media can change the mindset of the masses and instead of shouting opinions about the hijab, Islamic scholars can shed some light on women’s rights, staring and harassment.
Whether you are in a shalwar kameez, western attire or in an abaya, harassment is bound to happen. Our media should learn something from Indian advertisements and produce programmes related to these heinous acts. Also, public buses/transport should be separate for females.
SYEDA RAFIA IMRAN
Karachi