February 12, 2006	Sunday	Muharram 13, 1427

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ISLAMABAD, Feb 11: The Women’s Action Forum (WAF) has called for promotion of zero-tolerance for any form of violence against women.

This was stated in a statement issued by the forum on the eve of the 23rd anniversary of the infamous 1983 incident of police brutality at the Lahore High Court, which culminated in tear gassing, baton charging and arresting of dozens of unarmed members of the WAF and the Punjab Women Lawyers Association.

The Women’s Action Forum renewed its pledge to continue its struggle for equality and justice for women and all other marginalized Pakistanis.

The forum reiterated its stand in favour of a secular state and inter-faith harmony, and against all moves towards theocratic rule, and its belief in a democratic, pluralistic, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, tolerant and peaceful society.

Underlining the need for promoting peace and human security, the Women’s Action Forum said it continued to advocate peace with India, accompanied by bilateral and phase-wise decrease in military expenditure, as well as demilitarization and denuclearization.

The forum continues to work against the super powers’ interference in Pakistan’s internal and regional affairs, the impunity with which Pakistan’s sovereignty and territory continue to be attacked, the government’s misplaced politico-economic alliances and its acceptance of unfair terms of trade under the WTO imposed globalization, the statement said.

It said over 25 years, violence against women, discriminatory laws, unjust and cruel social customs and practices continue to be the norm. Despite the government’s declared intentions, perpetrators continue to go unpunished and support systems for women survivors remain inadequate.

Even the highest ever number of women in the legislature has not led to positive parliamentary action and legislation due to the lack of commitment of the majority of the decision makers to women’s rights and human rights abuses.

The WAF also reiterated its sympathy and solidarity with the people affected by the October 8, 2005 earthquake and reaffirmed its pledge to continue its volunteer work in responding to their needs in relief, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

It called upon the government and all other actors and stakeholders to ensure sensitivity, respect and responsiveness to the rights of all survivors, especially women.