WPC concerned over Multan rape incident

Islamabad: The Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) on Thursday expressed deep concern over the Multan rape case committed on the orders of ‘panchayat’ (local council).

In a press release issued by WPC, the General Secretary MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik said that it is a matter of great concern. Referring to the rape of Shamim, a 12 year girl child, and Azra, a 16 year old girl child raped as counter penalty, she said that it is a glaring example of paganism prevailing within the society.

Shocked and visibly disturbed, General Secretary WPC sought exemplary punishment for the ‘jirga’ members for committing this heinous crime that is an offence not only in the common law but also under Sharia.

She said that such illiterate elements have destroyed the respected indigenous concept of ‘jirgas’ and ‘panchayats’ of settling disputes and keeping the societies and communities peaceful and united.

“jirgas’ and ‘panchayats’ have been banned by the High Courts and the Supreme Court, so why there was no concrete measures to end this system,” she pointed out. “There is empirical evidence that the ‘jirgas’ and ‘panchayats’, based basically in rural settings, have demonstrated myopic thinking and their lack of empathy towards women and girls that has led to increased violence against women.”

MNA Shaista Pervaiz Malik has asked for stringent measures for elimination of ‘jirgas’ and ‘panchayats’ and asked to see justice done in-line with the new anti-rape laws passed recently by the government.