The unabating violence against women

chambers of justice

Despite the presence of numerous pro-women laws and penal codes in Pakistan, the plight of women remains dire in many aspects of their daily lives. Women, regardless of their roles as students, professionals, or family members, continue to face significant challenges and dangers. Recent incidents, such as the brutal attack on a woman in Naushahro Feroze, underscore the urgent need for more effective measures to ensure the safety and protection of women in Pakistan.

A woman in Naushahro Feroze filed a case for the dissolution of her marriage and maintenance. Her family, instead of supporting her, subjected her to severe physical abuse. The victim’s account of the incident is harrowing: “My uncle held my arms while my father struck my legs with an axe, saying that I would not go to court and disgrace our honour,” told the victim to this scribe. This attack left the woman hospitalised at the Peoples Medical Hospital in Shaheed Benazirabad, Nawabshah, with serious injuries. The local police have arrested her father and cousin, while four other suspects obtained bail due to the inclusion of bailable sections in the case by the police. Social activists claim that this leniency is allowing the perpetrators to avoid strict legal consequences. Adding to the gravity of the situation, numerous posts on social media have emerged accusing her of being characterless and having extramarital affairs. This raises a critical question: Why does our society often support perpetrators and vilify victims instead of providing them with the support they need during such difficult times?

This story is not an isolated incident. Across Pakistan, women face violence and discrimination in various forms. Despite existing laws aimed at protecting women’s rights, enforcement remains weak, and cultural and societal norms often perpetuate the cycle of abuse. Women seeking divorce or maintenance frequently encounter resistance from their families and communities. This resistance can escalate to physical violence, as seen in the Naushahro Feroze case. The stigma associated with divorce and the perceived dishonour it brings often leads to dire consequences for women who dare to challenge the status quo.

Several recent cases from various cities highlight the persistent and pervasive nature of violence against women in Pakistan:

A tragic incident occurred at Sukkur when a man attempted to bring back his estranged wife, who had been living with her parents due to serious differences. When she refused to return with him, he opened fire, killing her on the spot. Her mother, who tried to rescue her, was also shot and critically wounded, later succumbing to her injuries while being shifted to the hospital.

A man in Hyderabad sprayed a young woman and her brother, both law students, with bullets and then shot himself in the head. It highlights the extreme violence women can face.

Another tragic case occurred in Multan, where a 20-year-old pregnant mother of two was found dead, allegedly murdered by her husband. The forensic investigation revealed signs of torture, and the victim’s father reported that her husband had threatened her for property. This case, like many others, was initially portrayed as a suicide, highlighting the challenges in properly investigating and prosecuting such crimes.

In yet another instance, a man in Makli, Thatta was caught transporting the body of his wife, whom he allegedly murdered, for a secret burial. The weak FIRs and improper investigations often lead to insufficient evidence collection, allowing perpetrators to evade justice.

The existing laws aimed at protecting women’s rights are often not effectively enforced. Procedural shortcomings, societal biases, and a lack of proper training for law enforcement and judicial officials contribute to the inconsistent application of these laws. In many cases, the justice system fails to provide timely and effective remedies for women. In the Naushahro Feroze case, the police’s decision to include bailable sections in the FIR allowed the suspects to secure bail, undermining the severity of the crime and the need for justice. This highlights the gap between legislation and enforcement, where procedural shortcomings and societal biases often impede justice for women.

To address these issues, a multifaceted approach is required:

The government must ensure the strict enforcement of existing laws. This includes training police officers and judicial officials to handle cases of domestic violence and abuse with the seriousness they deserve. Public awareness campaigns are crucial to change societal attitudes towards women seeking divorce or reporting abuse. Educating communities about women’s rights and the legal protections available to them can help reduce stigma and encourage support for victims. Establishing more shelters and support services for women in distress is essential. These facilities should provide legal, psychological, and financial assistance to help women rebuild their lives after leaving abusive situations. Education and economic empowerment are key to reducing women’s vulnerability to abuse. By providing women with the tools to be self-sufficient, society can help them assert their rights and make informed decisions about their lives.

As an Assistant Litigation Manager and Programme Manager at the Legal Aid Society, I have conducted numerous in-depth interviews with women who have faced domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Their stories are heart-wrenching and reveal a disturbing pattern: families and communities often fail to support these women when they decide to fight for their rights. It is imperative for the government, civil society, and the community at large to work together to create a safer and more just environment for all women in Pakistan. Only through concerted efforts can we hope to see real change and ensure that women receive the protection and justice they deserve.

Safia Lakho is an advocate at Sindh High Court.