Daily Times

It will be unfair to question the significance of social media and its approach to conviction. Although it has flaws, it has rightfully identified the injustices in our misleading society.

Yesterday, I saw cruelty and brutality summed up in a photograph, which is precisely the state of Pakistan at the moment. Humanity is dead in today’s world and the recent incident in Kasur can attest to it.

The seven year old girl hailing from Kasur was ripped to shreds and thrown in heaps of garbage after being molested by a man. However, the paedophile, who committed the abhorrent crime seemingly got away with murder, as many culprits in Pakistan do.

Social media is not an appropriate forum for politicians and leaders to tweet and post about issues of relevance that are adversely affecting our society

Although I laud social media for channeling the news and generating meaningful insight into the case, there is still a lot that needs to be dealt with. There were countless unreported rape cases in the past that were not prioritized and justice awaits the victims, even after years of hope. Given the mishandling of many FIRs and rape victims, I will not be surprised if this case is dealt a similar fate. Unlike many hypocrites, I cannot falsely glorify the law enforcement of Pakistan for what it really is. That said, FIRs are submitted for inspection but there seems to be no accountability for the victims of child molestation. I ask, why? Why is it that sexual misconduct is given precedence and appropriate action is not taken? What have humanity and morals led us to?

The media has played a pivotal role in bringing people together, however the attention directed at this incident will gradually die down. Most individuals are posting the victim’s photograph on Facebook to unite against violence and it seems that they are doing a far better job offhand than political activists and law enforcement agencies.

Have we seen or ever heard of a press conference take place in the capital city or anywhere in Pakistan to acknowledge the victims of child molestation? Being human, that is the least one can do.

Social media is not an appropriate forum for politicians and leaders to tweet and post about issues of relevance that are adversely affecting our society. But such platforms are there for communities to band together and preach, not to implement policies or take action oriented decisions.

Silencing families and victims in times of adversity is a crime of its own. Let’s not falter and react ferociously as child sexual abuse is a pertinent global concern and so is same-sex child abuse. Having a constructive dialogue and standing up to social injustices can keep the conversation going.

As long as there is a dialogue, no matter how intense, it will affirm humanity. No one reserves the right to exploit the freedom and liberty of anybody, be it a man or a woman, a child or an infant. It is morally and ethically out of question.

The idea that individuals even consider marginalising the victims of abuse is downright objectionable. We need accountability for the victims of violence, no matter what form it assumes. More importantly, the political leaders and the Supreme Court of Pakistan should be responsible enough to provide justice and do whatever it takes in their capacity to affirm their integrity.

The writer is a model and an actor. He can be reached at haiderrifaat95@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, January 12^th 2018.