PEOPLE in Pakistan have forgotten the basic religious teachings that unambiguously condemn the killing of newborn daughters just because they happen to be girls. It is an irony that a practice forbidden in Islam is being practised openly, with the recent incident in Mianwali being nothing but yet another reminder of where things stand today.

Our clergy delivers long sermons over anything under the sun, but never educates its followers about the basic teachings of the religion. Our politicians discuss everything all the time, but never bother to collectively discuss the social evils that are spreading like a forest fire in society. The national media has also failed to educate the masses. Will the Mianwali culprit be apprehended and awarded an exemplary punishment without any delay? Will the media take up such issues in its talk shows instead of indulging in meaningless politics?

Seminars, talks and workshops were held in five-star hotels recently on the International Women’s Day for the rights of the women, but no one will now bother to raise the case of the innocent infant girl who received multiple bullets from her father simply for being a girl.

Zehra Nigah, the famous Urdu poetess, has in a superb way penned down a poem Main bach gai maan on the inhuman, cruel and barbarous treatment of girls. It should have served as an eye opener for all long ago. But it has not.

Aamir Aqil
Lahore

Published in Dawn, March 29th, 2022