Crimes against Women in Pakistan

[Awesome]

I wonder how many of us speak up against abuses against women that are pretty common in most households in Pakistan.

I've been brought up by some very very sane Parents, and so when I see these things happening I wonder how does common decency escape most men, how can one dare to behave in this manner in Pakistan?

I wonder how many of you have sat in silence when your fathers abused your mothers. How many of you have treated your sisters/daughters with inequality. How many of you would force your daughters into marriage, because "you know best".

With each act of oppression you destroy a little bit of Pakistan's future.

ReliefWeb » Document » PAKISTAN: Constant violence against women in 2009

Physical and sexual violence, honor killings, forced marriages and structural inequalities within the society are constant violations of women's fundamental rights. The cases in this article were provided by Mister Mohammed Nafees from Karachi, based on news from Daily Dawn.

Julia Lemétayer

2009 has been another tragic year for women rights in Pakistan. Many cases have been reported, in which women were abducted, assaulted, raped, murdered, forced to marriage or traded to resolve disputes. According to Aurat Foundation, a non-governmental organization working for women empowerment in Pakistan, between January and June last year, a total of 4,514 incidents of violence against women were reported. Victims, if they dare reporting these facts, have to face police obstruction and societal pressure. If some of these facts can be imputed to feudal societies and tribal traditions, the most worrying aspect of women rights violations is that some practices and ideas are simply entrenched in the mindsets.

Last September, two people allegedly chopped off the nose and an ear of a woman over "honor" in Marghzar Colony of Hanjarwal, Punjab. One of the perpetrators was believed to be the victim's brother-in-law. "Honor" is also the reason why Khalida Bibi, a little girl living in Bahadur village in the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) was strangled allegedly by her parents and uncle. In October, Sakina Khan Langarial allegedly hacked to death her younger sister, Iram Khan Langarial, because she suspected that she had "loose morals". From January to May 2009 only, 90 women are believed to have been killed in the name of honor on Punjab, seven in the NWFP. However, it can be assumed that all the cases are not reported, especially if we consider that most of the perpetrators are members of the family – immediate and extended – like a husband, a brother or a cousin. In some cases, women are killed by their husband suspecting extra-marital relations while in others, they are killed for having chosen their husband rather than accepting the one their family chose for them. Sometimes, "honor" can also be an excuse for a cold-blooded murder. Far from being an old tribal tradition remaining only in remote rural areas, these barbarian practices are spreading in urban centers.

Most of honor killings are committed in the name of the "karo-kari" tradition. Karo (black man) and kari (black woman) are metaphorical terms for adulterer and adulteress. If a man declares his wife kari, he is entitled to kill her and her alleged lover. Thus, a blind man strangled his wife and shot dead a men with the help of his able brothers, after branding them kari and karo in the Sain Dino Ghoto village near Ghotki, northern Sindh, last November. He suspected his wife of having illicit relations with his neighbor, so he killed them both. Likewise, Imam Bakhsh shot dead his wife and the man he suspected to be her lover last June. A 2-year old boy was also accidentally killed in the event. Not much can be done against the murderers, especially if the wife has been branded kari by a Jirga, a tribal assembly of elders that dispense so-called justice according to customs and tradition. Jirgas are illegal in Pakistan, but the rule of tradition is often more powerful than the rule of law. Jirgas not only justify killings, they also order some in order to "restore justice". Jirgas claim to dispense justice under the name of religion, but Islam is actually used as an excuse to avoid critics and gain more power. Plus, their members are powerful people – tribal leaders, members of the parliament – which can explain why the government has difficulties to shut down these court-like gatherings.

Aside from honor killings, Pakistani women have to face various types of violence in their day-to-day life. The most common one is domestic violence. Women are beaten up, tortured or even killed by their husband every day. In July, a man reportedly beat his wife to death in Ghazi Khan Lashari village, Punjab, because she was complaining about the torture she was subjected to. A mother of four was axed to death by her addict husband near Lalazar Colony, Punjab, because she refused to give him money to buy drugs. Assaults by unknown men can also happen to women, like this woman and her 5-year old, who suffered from severs burns after an acid attack, or like that unidentified young girl, whose body was found in the bushes at a desolate place in Block 19 of Gulistan-i-Jauhar, Karachi, last August.

Sexual harassment, sexual assaults, rape and gang-rape are also a typical example of the low status of women in society. Last August, for instance, a woman was waiting for a Lahore-bound bus at the Pindi bypass stop in Punjab when seven policemen picked her up in an official van on the pretext of investigation. They took her to a nearby hotel and gang-raped her. Near Sukkur, Sindh, last July, a 10-year old girl who had gone to a nearby grocery store was found lying unconscious hours later by her family. A man had kidnapped her and subjected her to sexual assaults.

Young girls are particularly vulnerable to gender-related violence. According to traditions, they are often treated like merchandise and can be traded as peace offerings in arranged marriages (swara) or in resolution of a dispute, ordered by a Jirga (vani). In Mansehra region last August, a Jirga decided to punish a couple who had married of their own will and decreed to give three sisters of the man in marriage to the brothers of his wife. In Wahi Pandhi, Johi taluka, Sindh, a Jirga decided the divorce issue of two women by forcibly handing over their children to relatives of their fathers. Futhermore, in Karachi, eight-year-old Zahida was married to Dilshad, 17, by her father Abdul Rasool in exchange for Dilshad's sister, whom the father wanted to marry. This cannot be called a 'marriage', but it is unfortunately not an isolated case. Child marriages amongst children — and girls being married to adults — are a regular feature in Pakistani society.

Victims of this violence have to face police obstruction and societal pressure. In October, Miss Asma Khand, 15, was gang raped by three of her school teachers. The same evening at Faiz Ganj police station, District Khairpur Mirs, Sindh, the head officer (SHO), Mr. Mohammad Husain Samtio, denied Asma medical treatment and refused to file a First Information Report (FIR) – as is required by law. Asma's parents have been advised by the school headmaster not to complain to the police to avoid reprisals from the teacher's powerful landlord connections and damage to their daughter's reputation. Allegations in the media have since suggested that the headmaster's own daughter was raped by the same men in July. One of the perpetrators was finally arrested but even though rape is a non-bailable offence in Pakistan, he was helped by corrupted colleagues and was released. The victim's father was pressured to take the case to a Jirga. He refused and Asma, facing threats, had to leave the area.

The violence women suffer from is thus not only physical, but also societal. This can be seen in their under-representation in Pakistan workforce and public service. In Karachi province, they constitute a mere 14 per cent of the judges from the lowest to the higher tier. The difficulties that some women have to work are also a sign of this structural violence. For instance, the AHRC has learned that a woman in Sindh province has been arbitrarily denied her job in the civil service for nineteen years, without explanation or official confirmation.

What can be done to improve women rights in Pakistan and fight against impunity? The government has already banned Jirgas, but they are still very powerful. Some call for "qisas" judgments, a retaliation based on Shariah, which calls for a punishment equal to the crime. Thus, a man who killed 100 boys was condemned to death and was cut into 100 pieces. Men who chopped off a woman's nose and ears were condemned to the same treatment. However, human rights violations should not be repaired by further crimes. Instead, deep structural changes have to be made. A better representation of women in the state and public offices is a first step that has to be made. Furthermore, reforms in the judiciary and the police seem necessary to stop impunity and to fairly condemn perpetrators. Through these reforms and through education, Pakistan could make the most important step: a true change of mindset.

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About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984. About AHRC: The Asian Human Rights Commission is a regional non-governmental organisation monitoring and lobbying human rights issues in Asia. The Hong Kong-based group was founded in 1984

 

[DaRk WaVe]

With each act of oppression you destroy a little bit of Pakistan's future.

Little bit, NO, you are destroying the every bit of future of Pakistan

But i some what blame women for this as well, we are just too scared to say anything & even if some stand up they will be 'systematically broken' & given different names

I am sorry but most of the 'men' (at least they claim themselves to be men) are just too much worked up with the fact that women stand up to them & then of course who can forget our Maulvis & wanna be Taliban

Just wait & see some of 'em will come up right at me

 

[DaRk WaVe]

BTW i don't under stand why don't these rapist think that they too have sister, mothers & wife

is this 'sex starvation' such a bad thing & that people can even kill just for the sake of some 'enjoyment' or is it something else?

 

[PlanetWarrior]

In South Africa the motto since the 90s has been "when you strike a woman then you strike the nation". Various legislation and government programmes to protect and educate and uplift the status of women were passed. Women are really becoming empowered and protected there. Botswana and the rest of Southern Africa by the coaxing of the South African government are starting to follow these laws. The difference in attitudes by men and the change in women becoming more confident in themselves is noticable from the time that the media starts reporting a few cases of men being given severe punishment by the courts for abusing womens' rights. Southern Africa is similar to the sub continent in history and logistics. Perhaps some pressure on the governments of the sub continent can start reversing the situation. I believe that womens' rights is something of a concern in the entire sub continent countries

 

[S-2]

Asim,

You know the answer-MEN must fight for these women. I'm in touch with a woman's rights activist in Pakistan but she doesn't live there and I don't know how much she can do however often she's in and out of the country.

Women are Pakistan's greatest untapped resource and finest hope. They represent all that is good and hopeful in this world and wipe clean the dirt with one smile. Without them we are lost and they are the light of our day-our mothers, sisters, lovers, and wives.

I've had a weekend of heartbreak for Pakistan in ways that I can't convey right up to this moment and nearly all of it has involved a Pakistani woman. I pray that the men of your country stand up to each and every beast you see as you see it. The defense of your country starts with defending women and their right to dignity and a voice that will be heard and respected even when not agreed.

I know you understand this and my words aren't directed to you in the least. Great post, my friend and your words added much value.

Thanks.

 

[Barrett]

It all boils down to one thing and that is education, it is absolutely crucial for the mothers to be educated for a better upbringing of their children.
Cowards who can not stand up to men take out their frustrations and inner fears on women, shame on the men who in whatever way harm females.
I can't comprehend how can anyone who has been given birth by a female can abuse/torture one.

 

[PlanetWarrior]

BTW i don't under stand why don't these rapist think that they too have sister, mothers & wife

is this 'sex starvation' such a bad thing & that people can even kill just for the sake of some 'enjoyment' or is it something else?

Rape is not a sexual act. It is an act of violence for control of a woman. It is usually perpetuated by men who feel insecure in the presence of certain women and they commit the act of rape to "teach the victim a lesson". They usually are extremely insecure due to various reasons such as feelings of being either too unattractive or not possessing the necessary confidence to engage in discussion with a woman. Rape has nothing to do with sex. It is all about violence and control. Sex is used as a mechanism to demean the victim.

 

[yuba]

you hit the nail on the head when you call them cowards,they are men who aretaking out their frustrations of life on the only people that wont fight back tey not men at all

 

[DaRk WaVe]

Rape is not a sexual act. It is an act of violence for control of a woman. It is usually perpetuated by men who feel insecure in the presence of certain women and they commit the act of rape to "teach the victim a lesson". They usually are extremely insecure due to various reasons such as feelings of being either too unattractive or not possessing the necessary confidence to engage in discussion with a woman. Rape has nothing to do with sex. It is all about violence and control. Sex is used as a mechanism to demean the victim.

why do they call themselves men then, if they don't even have so called 'balls' to talk to women

or may be they are too eager to show that they are after all 'men', seriously man this is sick, GOD!!

as i said they are too much worked up with the very existence of women around 'em
Shame on them

 

[yuba]

for the men who do beat wives have you no mother or sister,another factor is if you are brought up with domestic violance you mighg consider it the norm to lash out in an argumant its a vicous circle

 

[PlanetWarrior]

why do they call themselves men then, if they don't even have so called 'balls' to talk to women

or may be they are too eager to show that they are after all 'men', seriously man this is sick, GOD!!

as i said they are too much worked up with the very existence of women around 'em
Shame on them

Yes indeed shame on these sick psychos. They have differing ideas of what being a man is all about in contrast to the average man in their society. Rape generally has no connection to sexual satisfaction of the rapist. In some case studies, certain rapists actually admitted that they were bi sexual and had the tendency to enjoy sexual intercourse with fellow gays more but committed acts of rape against women because their loathing or hatred for women was so severe that they felt that raping the women would strip her of her dignity and therefore further their vengeance. Rape as an act has been found to have a universal reason. That reason has nothing to do with the sexual satisfaction of the rapist.

 

[S-2]

Planet Warrior has it right but so too Yuba. Men who are often denied their dignity and rights will cowardly strike out where they can control. It includes domestic violence against spouses and children in addition to sexual abuse.

Worse, it is a learned behavior that is passed on from generation to generation. Regardless of good or bad circumstance, men have to control themselves to break the chain. BTW, it happens among the wealthy too.

Thanks.

 

[PlanetWarrior]

Planet Warrior has it right but so too Yuba. Men who are often denied their dignity and rights will cowardly strike out where they can control. It includes domestic violence against spouses and children in addition to sexual abuse.

Worse, it is a learned behavior that is passed on from generation to generation. Regardless of good or bad circumstance, men have to control themselves to break the chain. BTW, it happens among the wealthy too.

Thanks.

I worked with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa and interviewed various security agents of the Apartheid era government in SA on their tactics of interrogation. The one most common tactic which was used widely was rape of women detainees. These agents were generally in agreement that beating most of the female detainees did not yield as much information as raping them and sexually torturing them. Now the surprising thing is that most of these agents generally loathed the victims. The agents were usually White Afrikaaners who were brought up in conservative households which preached a hatred for anything non white and instilled in them that anybody non white was on the same level as an animal. The victims were usually Blacks. Their attitude was that they were practically comitting the crime of bestiallty. When asked whether they would have committed the same acts against a White female detainee, most of the interviewed responded with an unequivocal "no". In a nutshell it was the act of violence which spurred them on and not the act of sexual satisfaction

 

[yuba]

my dad came to england in the sixtys when racism was rife,he had many fights with racist skinheads and built a reputation as someone not to mess with.but at home he a pussy cat never touched us kids or my mum thats what you call a real man

 

[yuba]

not saying he loved violance he was just not the type to turn the other cheek when being abused because of the colour of his skin or turban