March 16, 2003	Sunday	Muharram 12, 1424

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KHAIRPUR, March 15: A family court here on Saturday took action on a suit filed by Noor Khatoon Shar for dissolution of her marriage, summoning husband Sharafdin Shar on April 12.

A poet and member of the district council of Khairpur, Noor Khatoon has contended that Mr Sharafdin had subjected her to torture, rendering her conjugal life miserable. She said she cannot live with him.

On Saturday morning, Noor Khatoon was shifted to the residence of the District Nazim, Nafisa Shah. Noor Khatoon was living at the residence of her father, Ahmed Din Shar, advocate, at Thari Mirwah, but due to security reasons she was shifted to the Nazim’s house.

The Nazim told this correspondent that Noor Khatoon would be provided with medical treatment as she was “under depression and psychological pressure”.

Meanwhile, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan secretary-general Ms Hina Jilani has condemned the torture of Noor Khatoon and demanded strict action against the culprits.

The HRCP secretary-general, in a statement faxed to Dawn , expressed her shock over the violations of Ms Noor’s basic rights and condemned threats to her life under Karo-kari.

Noor Khatoon, she said, was subjected to torture by her husband, who, according to the statement, had been married to her against her wishes, adding that she was punished for raising issues of violence against women.

Many days ago, Ms Jilani said Ms Noor had begun receiving threats to her life for being a Kari. Her complaints made to local authorities went unheeded, she added.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan also condemned attempts being made to interfere with the course of justice.

“The HRCP condemns the torture on Noor Khatoon, demands appropriate action against the culprits, and again reminds the custodians of state power of the urgent need for a vigorous movement to end all customs that are based on a total denial of woman’s rights and dignities.

“Action on some of the published atrocities on women and dispensation of charity to a few of the victims will not do”, it stated.