Sir: Saudi Arabia has finally lifted the ban on women driving their cars without a male guardian today. This has been hailed as a historical decision by voices all over the world. Some people have said that this is the beginning of the complete emancipation of Saudi women from a tyrannical patriarchy that has ruled their lives for decades. However, this moment has been marred by the extra-judicial detention of numerous women’s rights activist in the Kingdom in recent months. Around 16 women’s rights activists have been arrested this month alone. This shows that the elites of the Saudi Royal family like Prince Mohammad Bin Salman plan on dictating the pace of change, and that dissent will not be tolerated. As such, this is a bittersweet moment. SHAZIA IMTIAZ Karachi Published in Daily Times, June 25th 2018.