Mob attacks novelist’s house over ‘indecent’ contents

LAHORE: A mob of around 200 women belonging to a particular community attacked the residence of writer Azad Mehdi, the author of the novel Piro in the Shahdara area on Tuesday. The novelist faced harassment and threats from the women following the objections raised by the women over alleged indecent content in his book.

Mehdi revealed to The News that the women were angered by the language in the novel they deemed offensive, particularly towards women. "I deeply regret the distress caused by my work and I am ready to apologise publicly. I also have decided to withdraw all copies of novel Piro from the market," Mehdi said. SP City Ali Raza claimed that swift police action prevented further harm to Mehdi and his family, stating, "The situation is under control, and we will not allow anyone to harm him."

Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has expressed grave concern over the attack. HRCP, in a press release stated, "Mehdi’s wife and daughter remain besieged by an angry mob, deprived of access to food and basic needs. We urge Lahore police to provide security to the family and bring the perpetrators to justice."