Daily Times

Isra, a girl of tender age was one of the most quick-witted and hyperintelligent students of Grade 9. She answered the questions of the teachers delightfully and participated in every extra curicular activity.

Isra was liked by all the teachers of the school since she worked very hard to accomplish any task.Sheonce won the inter-school speech competition of the district. Being a well-versed student of the district, she was once offered a scholarship to study in the US but her father refused her to go as per as his customs.

It was the recess. Isra with the other classmates was gossiping and chating nearby the school canteen. Just then, the ringing of the bell announced the culmination of recess and all the girls and boys headed towards the classes silently.

It was in the last period, when the grade ninth was asked about the new year’s resolutions.

“I will start to help the poor people in my neighbourhood.There is a small cottage in our neighbourhood where a family of seven lives.Thefamily is poor and their younger child often comes to ask for food.” Banadi exclaimed with excitment.

“I will ask for some money from my father and distribute them in the city’s orphanage.”

Shahjan raised his voice.

“What about you Isra, Mr Qamber asked.

“There are various resolutions in my mind but are futile. In the begining of this new year, I will start bringing my uncle’s daughters to school as they are still illiterate.”

“So nice of you.”

It was an holiday the other day, so the students were discussing about their clothes and the gifts that they would buy. Meanwhile, Isra was sitting silently and was engrossed in a deep thought to accomplish her resolution.

Bismah and Mansha were discussing about the party being held at their house.They were excited as the new year’s Eve was fast approaching. Suddenly, Bismah stood from her place and went to Isra to invite her to the party but Isra refused as she didn’t have any new dress to wear. She cancelled to go to the grand party, for she was sure that neither her parents could buy a new gift to take with nor new Balochi clothes to wear.

Just then, the bell rang to announce the end of the school day, Isra packed her half -torn bag and started to march towards her home.

As she arrived home, she found her mother very sad.

Without caring for anything, she went to her room. After she washed her face, she went to her mother in the kitchen.

“In the begining of the new year, I am going to take my cousins to school.And this is one of my resolutions! ” Exclaimed Isra with excitement

“Your father has been dismissed from the company, he was working for.”Her mother lamented accidently.

“What?” She responded shockingly.

“Yes, my son. I have been dismissed and I cannot afford to educate you more now onwards.”

On lamenting this ,Isra felt as the earth had disappeared beneath her feet.

“You should not read now onwards.And help your mother in chores. ”

“What about Waseem?” Asked a shocked Isra

“He will continue his education.”

“Then why aren’t I being allowed to be educated? Mom, ask dad to allow my to study further.”

But her mother was helpless, she herself was married at an age of 12 and taken out of the school, now the same episode was repeating with her daughter.

“These are our costums. My brother was against me when I admitted you to a private school in the city and I went against my family’s customs and traditions.”

Tears rolled down Isra’s eyes. She couldn’t help but rushed towards her room and slammed the door shut behind her with a bang.

She was too sad and depressed as her dreams were crushed out. She wanted to take her cousins to school but now her own life was just bounded to the four walls of the house, without a ray of hope in her eyes.

She realised how conditions and conservative minds make the women suffer.

Dear readers, this is the story of every poor girl child in Pakistan. Isra’s father was a man of conservative mind and according to him there was no use of going to expenses on the education of the daughters.

This prevails in our male dominant society to-date where it is understood that the girls should be married off at an early age so that it becomes easier to get rid of the responsibilities.

One can witness hundreds of thousands of Isras in our society who need help but morosly, some don’t raise their voice while other surrender to the hostile environment. Some of the girls are sent to school but they cannot study beyond primary level owing to many barriers and consequences.

In the developing and underdeveloped countries, people think that girls should stay at home, cook food and look after the kids and elders. But in the developed countries, girls are bringing accolades to their parents and are found doing well in every field, be it sports or academics.

A wise man said, “No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens.”

Reaching a zero number of out of school girl children must be the New Year’s resolution of every non-governmental organisation, every political leader of the country, every father, every brother and even every mother to provide them with proper education and upbringing, if not then we won’t be able to look at our advancement in real life but in thoughts only.

The writer can be reached at zeeshannasir972@gmail.com

Published in Daily Times, February 26^th 2019.