ISLAMABAD: People from all walks of life attended an event to mark the National Women’s Day at Nomad Gallery on Friday.

The day is observed to remember the state brutality against around 100 women on Feb 12, 1983, when they tried to submit an application to the chief justice of Lahore High Court against the Zina and Hudood Ordinances imposed by the then military dictator, Ziaul Haq.

Poet Kishwar Naheed told mediapersons: “I still remember that only one male poet Habib Jalib was accompanying the women when all of a sudden the police started beating them. A number of women were injured and others were arrested,” she said.

“I was also injured and shifted to hospital. The women were released from the jail at midnight but Jalib spent over a week in the prison,” she said.

In reply to a question, Ms Naheed said there was no major difference in the situation of the 1980s and today.

“Police still have the same attitude as they had in the ‘80s. Though some laws have been made regarding honour killing and violence against women, they are not implemented. Practical steps are needed to address issues faced by women,” she said.

She regretted that at the government level no event was organised to mark the day in Islamabad.

To another question, she said the government had allowed only 19 international non-governmental organisations to work in Pakistan.

“On the other hand, seminaries have been working without any check. Audits of the seminaries should be carried out because they have been getting foreign aid,” she said.

Poet Haris Khaliq said women of Pakistan have to lead the way to a pluralistic, progressive and prosperous Pakistan.

Iram Wani, an associate professor at National College of Arts, whose six paintings were put on an exhibition held on the occasion, told Dawn that she tried to give a message through her work that woman should not stop working and try to resolve their problems.

“I am optimistic and never feel disappointed. I believe that the future of women in Pakistan is very bright,” she said.

The director of Nomad Gallery, Nageen Hayat, said the exhibition was held to highlight the issues of women.

Besides the exhibition, a documentary on violence against women, ‘Posheeda Qadam’ was also played.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2016