Daily Times

On October 1, in Charbagh Tehsil, Swat, a group of girls gathered at a local park for a game of cricket. However, their presence caught the attention of some local religious leaders and conservative elders who held traditional beliefs against women participating in outdoor sports.

These men confronted the girls, asserting that playing cricket in an open ground was not in line with their conservative views. As tensions grew, the disagreement turned into threats, casting a shadow over what should have been a carefree day. Their strong protests led to the match’s sudden halt.

Another sentiment that emerged from the incident was the concern for the safety of these girls. In a region where there has been a resurgence of extremist elements and the presence of terrorist groups, some argued that stopping such gatherings was necessary to ensure the girls’ safety. While opinions on this matter varied, it underscored the complex challenges faced by the local communities in balancing tradition, security, and the aspirations of their young girls.

The district administration swiftly responded to the situation, recognizing the importance of safeguarding women’s rights and opportunities for sports. Mr Muhammad Yar Khan, the Assistant Commissioner of Charbagh Tehsil, stated, “We understand the significance of gender equality and women’s participation in sports. The incident in Charbagh reflects the challenges we still face. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment for women and girls.”

Two days after the incident, with the support of the district administration, a women’s cricket match was organized in Kabal Tehsil. This remarkable event, arranged by Ayesha Ayaz, Pakistan’s youngest female taekwondo champion, ended in Mingora’s women’s cricket team securing a well-deserved victory over the Kabal team. The match itself was a thrilling contest, but what transpired around it is what truly deserves our attention.

This incident, though seemingly isolated, bears the weight of history and the questions that have echoed through this region for years: Why does the threat of extremism persist despite hard-fought battles for rights and freedoms? Why does gender disparity persist in the region, even in the face of ongoing efforts to promote women’s rights and equal opportunities?

Charbagh tehsil is a region that has seen its share of challenges and transformations over the years. While Swat had made progress in various aspects, conservative norms and, in some instances, extremist sentiments still posed obstacles to gender equality.

Why does the threat of extremism persist despite hard-fought battles for rights and freedoms?

Like many parts of Swat, this region experienced a tumultuous period between 2007 and 2008 when the Taliban held sway. During this time, women and girls were denied access to education, participation in sports, and even the freedom to move freely in public spaces. It was a dark chapter in the region’s history, marked by oppression and violence.

This oppressive atmosphere was tragically exemplified when Malala Yousafzai, a native of Swat, became the target of extremists. In 2012, she survived an assassination attempt for her outspoken advocacy of girls’ education. Malala’s harrowing ordeal like many others is a stark reminder of the challenges that women and girls in Pakistan have faced in their pursuit of equal rights and opportunities.

While Swat had gradually reclaimed its peace, the recent incident in Charbagh raised concerns about the resurgence of conservative attitudes and extremist elements. Despite the progress made, this incident served as a harsh reminder that the struggle for gender equality in Pakistan is an ongoing battle. It transcends the boundaries of a single tehsil, resonating with women and girls across the nation who dare to dream and challenge convention. The incident highlighted the importance of protecting and promoting women’s rights in the region, ensuring that the hard-fought gains are not eroded by conservative viewpoints.

While Charbagh’s elders had imposed a ban on the women’s cricket match in their tehsil, it’s essential to note that their views did not represent the broader sentiment in Swat. The incident sparked a broader conversation about the need to protect and promote women’s rights in the region.

Within Pakistan itself, the incident ignited a groundswell of support for women’s rights. Citizens from all walks of life expressed solidarity with the affected girls and condemned the actions of the religious individuals who sought to obstruct their participation in cricket. Calls for governmental intervention to safeguard women’s rights and challenge extremist viewpoints reverberated throughout the nation.

The incident also ignited an international firestorm of condemnation. The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) swiftly branded it a “clear violation of women’s rights,” urging Pakistan to ensure that women and girls can engage in sports free from discrimination or violence. The U.S. Department of State echoed this sentiment, expressing deep concern over the “blatant violation of women’s rights” and calling on Pakistan to protect these rights. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch also joined the chorus of condemnation, signalling global support for women’s rights in Pakistan.

Malala Yousafzai also spoke out in response to the incident, herself being a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Malala drew from her own experiences when she condemned the incident. She highlighted that such actions not only violate the rights of women and girls but also threaten the progress Pakistan has made towards gender equality. Her impassioned response resonated with many, serving as a rallying cry for advocates of women’s rights.

The international response to this incident emphasizes that the global community is attentively monitoring events in Pakistan and strongly advocates for women’s rights. It underscores the obligation of the Pakistani government to safeguard the rights of all its citizens, irrespective of gender, and to foster an environment where women and girls can flourish without apprehension or prejudice.

The writer is a former banker and a fervent advocate for women’s rights in Pakistan