Mukhtar Mai sees her US visit in jeopardy

Published November 10, 2007

MUZAFFARGARH, Nov 9: Women rights activist Mukhtar Mai said on Friday her visit to the US scheduled for Dec 3 was uncertain as she had received reports that her name had been placed on the ECL.

Talking to Dawn on telephone, Mukhtar Mai said she had got an email message from California governor of Lions Club Mr Jack Marous that her name had been put on the ECL which might mean end of her plans.

She quoted Jack Marous as saying that Ms Benazir Bhutto said in press conference in Islamabad on Friday that HRCP chairperson Asma Jehnagir was detained while the name of Mukhtar Mai was put on the ECL. She said she was also fearful of her arrest.

If the report turned out true, Mukhtar Mai said, it would not be for the first time that the government had banned her travelling to other countries. She said the government did so two years ago, but had to lift it because of international pressure.

She condemned the arrest of Asma Jehangir and other human rights activists, besides lawyers and political workers. She said she had been invited by the Lions Club of California for attending a function on women rights.