ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women, Saturday, expressed its profound grief and unequivocal condemnation of the brutal murder of Dr Mehwish, a dedicated medical professional whose life was taken in an act of senseless violence.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, colleagues, and the wider medical community mourning this tragic loss. This horrific killing is not an isolated incident. It reflects a deeply troubling and persistent surge in femicide and gender-based violence across Pakistan,” NCSW said in its statement.

NCSW stated that women, whether in their homes, workplaces, or public spaces, continued to face life-threatening risks simply for existing with autonomy and dignity. The murder of women professionals, including doctors, teachers, and journalists, signalled a grave failure to ensure women’s safety and security.

Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar stated, “Dr Mehwish’s murder is a devastating reminder that women in Pakistan remain unsafe even while serving society in the noblest of professions. Femicide is not merely a crime; it is the most extreme manifestation of systemic gender inequality and impunity.

We cannot normalise this violence. The State must act decisively to prevent further loss of women’s lives.” The Commission called upon Law enforcement authorities to conduct a swift, transparent, and gender-sensitive investigation, ensuring the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

The provincial and federal governments to publicly recognise femicide as a distinct and urgent human rights crisis requiring coordinated policy intervention, NCSW said.

Relevant institutions to strengthen protection mechanisms for women professionals, including improved workplace and transit security measures, the Commission said adding that the parliament and policymakers to ensure the effective implementation of existing laws on violence against women and to address gaps that enable impunity.

NCSW further urged the development of a national database on femicide cases, stronger monitoring mechanisms, and public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women. The Commission reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting women’s constitutional rights to life, dignity, equality, and security.

“We stand in solidarity with Dr Mehwish’s family and with every woman whose life has been cut short by gender-based violence. Silence is complicity. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” the statement said.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026