Pakistan: Women's Action Forum issues statement on last week's murder of Zille Huma
Source:
WAF via Shirkat Gah Women activists and civil society members in Pakistan issue a public statement on the gender-based killing of the Punjab provincial Minister of Social Welfare.
WAF STATEMENT ON ZILLE HUMA'S MURDER
23 February 2007
WAF is shocked at the brutal murder of Zille Huma, Minister of Social Welfare, Punjab and extends its deepest condolences to her family. The horrific murder has once again reminded the women of Pakistan that their struggle against obscurantism is far from over. It is shocking that a criminal who had committed serial killings of women was allowed to roam free so that he could kill again. Equally shocking is that the government has taken no steps to curb the anti-woman rhetoric of the religious right, which provides legitimacy to criminals like Maulvi Sarwar. Despite the much hailed Women’s Protection Bill, which has been used to project a softer image for Pakistan, cases of rape, murder for ‘honour’ and parading women naked continue unabated and indeed appear to be on the rise. We see no evidence on the part of the Government to punish the criminals responsible for these acts. Are we to presume that the law will again find a loophole for the likes of Maulvi Sarwar who terrorise and kill in the name of religion?
The attempt to push women out of the public domain is part of the strategy adopted by religious fanatics to hold on to the power they gained under General Zia-ul-Huq. WAF affirms that such acts will meet with resistance from all those who have supported the rights of all oppressed and marginalized people. We strongly demand that the government’s actions must be clear and unambiguous.
WAF further demands justice for all victims of violence including Zille Huma. We urge civil society to ensure that the voices of sanity and humanity prevail.
[signed]
Women’s Action Forum
Lahore
23 February 2007
WAF is shocked at the brutal murder of Zille Huma, Minister of Social Welfare, Punjab and extends its deepest condolences to her family. The horrific murder has once again reminded the women of Pakistan that their struggle against obscurantism is far from over. It is shocking that a criminal who had committed serial killings of women was allowed to roam free so that he could kill again. Equally shocking is that the government has taken no steps to curb the anti-woman rhetoric of the religious right, which provides legitimacy to criminals like Maulvi Sarwar. Despite the much hailed Women’s Protection Bill, which has been used to project a softer image for Pakistan, cases of rape, murder for ‘honour’ and parading women naked continue unabated and indeed appear to be on the rise. We see no evidence on the part of the Government to punish the criminals responsible for these acts. Are we to presume that the law will again find a loophole for the likes of Maulvi Sarwar who terrorise and kill in the name of religion?
The attempt to push women out of the public domain is part of the strategy adopted by religious fanatics to hold on to the power they gained under General Zia-ul-Huq. WAF affirms that such acts will meet with resistance from all those who have supported the rights of all oppressed and marginalized people. We strongly demand that the government’s actions must be clear and unambiguous.
WAF further demands justice for all victims of violence including Zille Huma. We urge civil society to ensure that the voices of sanity and humanity prevail.
[signed]
Women’s Action Forum
Lahore
