May 22, 2006	Monday	Rabi-us-Sani 23, 1427

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NEW YORK, May 21: US Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, Co-Chairman of the Pakistan Caucus, on Capitol Hill, pledged her support for rape victim Dr Shazia Khalid and offered to lead efforts to ensure that the Pakistan government fully investigates and prosecutes the case. She also called for rape law reform in Pakistan.

A press release issued here on Saturday by Equality Now and the Women’s Edge coalition which organised Dr Shazia’s trip to the United States, said that the assurance was given by Congresswoman Jackson during a meeting on the hill.

Dr Shazia also met State Department officials and members of Congress during her visit to the US capital during which she called for international support of women’s rights in Pakistan, said the press release.

The coalition organised the Washington meetings for Dr Shazia and her husband Khalid during which Dr Shazia stressed the need to reopen her case and to repeal laws that discriminate against women.

Dr Shazia said she was raped while working for Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), an energy company partially owned by the government of Pakistan. After her attack, she said PPL tried to stop her from reporting her rape to the police and in an effort to protect its image, the company allegedly destroyed all related evidence.