There is no fault in claiming we have come a long way since the 80’s, in terms of fashion, style, our music, the technology. The society has taken a giant leap forward into the current era of modernization and technological development in the past couple decades.
Sadly! Though when it comes to treatment of women in Pakistan there hasn’t been much change observed.
There aren’t many laws in Pakistan regarding women rights. Especially laws regarding abuse, molestation, female genital mutilation etc. The criteria for a women to be considered a sexual assault victim in Pakistan is jarring and narrow minded, to even talk about such incidents is not a possibility for most, according to Hudood Ordinance which was put in place along with the Council Of Islamic Ideology (CII), according to which DNA cannot be taken as primary evidence in sexual assault cases and can only be considered as a corroborating evidence.
Staring into our face is the startling reality that, unless the women has shown any physical sign of struggle and has proof in the form of bruises and torn clothes. She’ll be no considered an assault victim. But even that is only if the assaulter was a practical stranger.
If she have had any from has any form of inclination towards the man or has had a one-on-one communication with him at any given point, she’ll be considered of lose character and having brought the inevitable onto herself.
Although, it will be unfair to assume that only women are the victim of such horrifying acts. Painfull incidents where young boys also suffer the same fate keep surfacing on to the media mercilessly. But the statics in comparison to female are jarringly low.
What is more appalling is the treatment of and the accusations made against the women who have suffered such horrific crimes. Especially those who have dared to speak out against the terrible crimes that were committed against them, resulting in their character assassination and public humiliation. Even though they are the true victims, they are still treated as if they were the one who has committed a crime.
What is more appalling is the treatment of and the accusations made against the women who have suffered such horrific crimes. Especially those who have dared to speak out against the terrible crimes that were committed against them, resulting in their character assassination and public humiliation
Their crime being that they have sought out justice for themselves? Which is rarely ever found as most of such victims are silenced in the name family’s pride. Pummeling them with dialogues such as “your life is already ruined think of your sibling. Who’ll marry them?” or “what has happened is done don’t drag it out anymore, you’ve humiliated us enough” Or outright killing them.
On a less depressing note however certain amendment have been made in the anti-rape law, considering DNA profiling as a crucial evidence during the investigation.
While this is a healthy and positive step towards Lessening such crimes against women in our country, one must remember that it is a long and uphill climb. One must never stop hoping for change, because it does happen, however slow it may be.
Student of Business Administration, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi
Published in Daily Times, October 31st 2018.