KARACHI: PA condemns violence against women
This was stated by Sindh Minister for Women Development, Dr Saeeda Malik, while addressing the participants of a walk organized to commemorate International Women’s Day. She said the members, without any party distinction, unequivocally pledged to support laws to be introduced in the house to protect women against discrimination and atrocities.
The walk was organized by Sindh Women Welfare Department in collaboration with Provincial Home Department. MPAs belonging to PPP (Parliamentarians), Pakistan Muslim League and Muttahida Qaumi Movement also participated in the walk. Representatives of different women NGOs and activists belonging to civil society commenced the walk from Crisis Centre, managed by Sindh Welfare Department. It culminated near Karachi Press Club.
The walk was led by Sindh Minister for Women Development Dr Saeeda Malik and Sindh Home Minister Rauf Siddiqui. It was later joined by Nilofer Bakhtiar, Adviser to Prime Minister on Women Development.
Women MPAs including Fareeha Razzaq Haroon, Bano Sagheer, Farheen Mughal, Shamim Ara, Shama Mithani, Nuzhat Pathan and many others from Pakistan People’s Party (Parliamentarians), Aziz Qizalbash, Farzana Saeed, Bilquis Mukhtar, Hira Ismail Soomro from Mutahhida Qaumi Movement and several women members of Pakistan Muslim League actively participated in the walk.
Talking to journalists accompanying them in the walk, the political activists reaffirmed their commitment that they would be above party politics in issues related to women rights, dignified existence and safety.
Dr Saeeda Malik, who distributed white ribbons among all participants of the walk, in accordance to precedence set by men in Canada to mark their support for women, told APP that these ribbons were also tied on all members of the Sindh Assembly.
The minister maintained that the day had provided a unique opportunity to all public representatives to forge unity in their ranks and contribute with absolute commitment towards the cause of women empowerment and uplift of a segment that needed support.
It was stated that society should get rid of infamous traditions like so-called honour killings and marriage to Holy Quran. The minister called upon the people to strive for bringing an end to all kinds of violence against women.
Addressing the participants of the walk, Nilofer Bakhtiar said that the government was determined to make required modifications in the Hudood Ordinance and enact legislation to curb domestic violence.
Regarding the issue of honour killing, she said the government had already enacted a law declaring it a heinous crime.
Nilofer Bakhtiar said that 10 more crisis centres would be set up in 2005-2006. She agreed to a suggestion that the crisis centre workers could also take suo motu notice of cases of harassment, exploitation or torture of women.
Farriha Razzak Haroon of PPP (Parliamentarian) said that her party was absolutely committed to the cause of women development and equality among all segments of society.
Rehana Nasreen of Muttahida Qaumi Movement also spoke on the occasion. —APP