LARKANA, July 21: Domestic violence cannot be brought to an end amidst tribal system and practice of settling disputes through jirga, said speakers at a consultation on the rights of women and children.

The event was held under the auspices of the Society for the Protection and the Rights of Child (SPARC) at Knowledge Centre.

The speakers said domestic violence was a social and psychological problem and it could not be curbed through legislation only.

Sadia Baloch, regional manager, SPARC, Sindh, said urban women were also prone to domestic violence. She said the urban women underwent torture but could not complain despite the fact they know about their rights.

Dr Sabhiya Mughal, president, women wing of Khaksar Tehrik, Sindh chapter, said the plan of MPA Humaira Alwani to table a bill in the Sindh Assembly against domestic violence was a good omen.

However, she added, parliament was performing under peculiar traditions and customs where parliamentarians would not permit such bill to come up for legislation.

She said 80 per cent women lived in rural areas where girls were sold at their birth which was like livestock trade.

Dr Sabhiya said under the prevailing conditions talking about such a bill would be an eye wash.