Tag: sexual harassment

  • Does the Pakistani man understand that no means no?

    Does the Pakistani man understand that no means no?

    A young girl was subjected to torture in Faisalabad. A final-year student, the girl alleged that her friend’s father became interested in her and even wrote her a formal proposal, which she declined. After she rejected the proposal, the accused pressurised her to change her mind. She received death threats. The complainant was even threatened that she could be raped. In videos that have now gone viral, she was subjected to physical and verbal abuse. Her hair was cut off and she was asked to lick shoes in order to humiliate her. She went through this abuse and torture only because she refused to marry a man who was also her friend’s father. This horrific incident shows how fragile Pakistani male egos are because they will not let a woman exercise her free will and choose to say no.

    This isn’t the first incident of its kind. Back in 2018, a bus hostess was murdered in Faisalabad for rejecting a marriage proposal. We witnessed the same shock and horror that we are seeing today but did it change anything? No. Are women allowed to exercise their free will and choose the men of their choice? No.

    In Punjab, the largest province of Pakistan, a total of 77 cases of physical assault were recorded in the month of July alone — 93 women in Punjab were abducted, and 47 cases of sexual assault cases were recorded. As far as domestic violence cases are concerned, Punjab reported 58 cases.

    Women face the same problems across South Asia. In India, Bilkis Bano — an Indian Muslim woman who was gang-raped in the 2002 Gujarat riots — said that her peace has been taken away after the Gujarat government released her 11 rapists. Her rapists were released on August 15, i.e. Independence Day of India. They were convicted in 2008.“How can justice for any woman end like this? I trusted the highest courts in our land. I trusted the system, and I was learning slowly to live with my trauma. The release of these convicts has taken from me my peace and shaken my faith in justice,” said Bilkis in her statement.

    With all the abuse, harassment, sexual assault, domestic violence, and rapes being reported not just in our country, but around the region, where are we headed as a society? Where do we go from here? Where do we stand? Has humanity died? What about morality and protection in the name of rule and law? Will women ever be safe, anywhere? Women of Pakistan and across the world deserve better.

  • Punjab on top in sexual, physical assault and domestic abuse cases

    Punjab on top in sexual, physical assault and domestic abuse cases

    At least 133 women were kidnapped and as many as 85 were subjected to rape in Pakistan in the month of July alone, a report has revealed.

    The data has been compiled by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the Centre for Research, Development and Communication (CRDC). The cases that have been reported in mainstream media are added in the report.

    Punjab

    A total of 77 cases of physical assault were reported in Punjab — 93 women in Punjab were abducted, 47 cases of sexual assault cases were recorded. As far as domestic violence cases are concerned, Punjab reported 58 cases. Three honour killing incidents took place. At least five cases of workplace harassment were reported in the province. In July, 42 children were sexually abused and 30 children were kidnapped. Meanwhile, 10 children were murdered and eight child labour cases were reported. 10 cases of physical violence against children were recorded. The province also reported three cases of child marriage.

    Sindh

    Sindh recorded 34 physical assault cases. A total of 20 cases of abduction took place, 16 women were subjected to rape, 15 cases of domestic violence were reported and in the name of honour killing, four women were killed in Sindh. Moreover, two work harassment incidents were reported in the province. Over July, 21 children were sexually abused,13 children were kidnapped from Sindh, 14 children were physically abused while five children were murdered in the province. Three cases of child marriage were reported.

    Islamabad

    Six incidents of physical assault occurred in the capital and 15 cases of kidnapping were reported. 10 cases of rape were reported. Four cases of domestic abuse were reported. Ten children were sexually abused and eight children were kidnapped. Two incidents of physical abuse against children were reported and two children were murdered.

    Balochistan

    The province had no reported case of physical assault. Two cases of abduction were reported during the month of July. Balochistan reported one rape incident. When it comes to domestic violence, Balochistan registered zero such incidents. Three children were sexually abused in Balochistan and four children were kidnapped. No physical abuse case was reported. Two children were murdered.

    Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

    16 incidents of physical assault were reported, three cases of abduction occurred, 11 cases of rape were reported and17 cases of domestic violence were reported in KP. 32 children were sexually abused and 27 children were kidnapped. 11 cases of physical violence against children were reported and three children were murdered. One child labour case was reported.

    DATADownload

  • Imran Khan meets accused sexual abuser Zia Chishti at Bani Gala

    Imran Khan meets accused sexual abuser Zia Chishti at Bani Gala

    Former Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan met Sitara-i-Imtiaz (third-highest honour and civilian award in Pakistan) holder and founder of a software company “Afiniti” Zia Chishti at Bani Gala. Chishti was accused of sexually abusing Tatiana Spottiswoode, a former Afiniti employee, and Zia’s friend’s daughter last year.

    Chishti stepped down from his position as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Afiniti, effective immediately following the allegations of sexual assault by a 23-year-old against him.

    The news of the meeting between the two came to the surface when the official Twitter handle of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) tweeted a picture of the meeting at Khan’s residence.

    Zia Chishti along with former Special Assistant to the prime minister Sayed Zulfi Bukhari were seen meeting Khan.

    However, the party’s Twitter account later deleted the tweet.

  • Ali Noor responds to harassment controversy with picture of grave, says victim has ‘audacity not to accept his heartfelt words’

    Ali Noor responds to harassment controversy with picture of grave, says victim has ‘audacity not to accept his heartfelt words’

    Singer Ali Noor took to his Instagram to respond to his recent harassment controversy. The singer has been in the news after journalist Ayesha Binte Rashid accused the singer of sexual harassment. She took to her Instagram handle to share screenshots of an alleged WhatsApp conversation with the singer.

    Ali, while sharing a picture of a grave with his name written on it, said, “Ayesha Binte I am done being concerned about you. I sent you an apology for putting my entire life at stake and you have the audacity to not accept my heartfelt words.”

    The singer also denied allegations of sexual harassment, “I deny all allegations of sexual harassment against me I never admitted to them to start with. I was already not in a good place. Now I am gathering the courage to move on to the next word. I have absolutely no guilt. I hope you finally find your solace and an answer for my children,” he concluded. However, Ayesha has shared screenshots of Ali’s reply to her messages in which he thanked Ayesha for the “Wakeup call.”

    The singer also used the hashtag #stopmockeryofmetoo.

    In another story, he said, “To the few left that still loves me… Remember I am no sexual abuser. Also, remember.. every human being matters wishing better life for everybody.”

    It is pertinent to mention here that Ali earlier announced that his new song is going to be released on the 22nd. The month is not mentioned.

    People on social media have mixed reactions to Ali’s posts. Some are assuming that the singer is threatening suicide and others are of the view that the singer is “not sorry.”

    https://twitter.com/talkingcurves/status/1495614937481330691

    https://twitter.com/MehroozW/status/1495609804148326405

  • Journalist Ayesha accuses musician Ali Noor of sexual harassment, shares screenshots

    Journalist Ayesha accuses musician Ali Noor of sexual harassment, shares screenshots

    Ayesha Binte Rashid has accused singer Ali Noor of sexual harassment. She took to her Instagram handle to share screenshots of an alleged WhatsApp conversation with the singer.

    “You emotionally manipulated me and what happened in the back of my car while driving to the airport was sexual harassment. You’re a sexual harasser and a predator,” she wrote in her message to Ali Noor.

    “Womaniser with a God complex who is all talk yet doesn’t have the proactiveness to break out of his toxic patterns,” one of the messages read.

    Ayesha also shared Ali’s reply to her messages in which he thanked Ayesha for the “Wakeup call.”

    The singer took to his Instagram stories to respond to the allegations and has claimed that Ayesha hasn’t shared all of his replies to her.

    “Today, I put the teaser and release date of the video and the son but as I was doing that, I got a message from newspapers that I have been accused of #MeToo by Ayesha Binte and my screenshots and apologies have been put up. She didn’t put all of them and that’s sad.”

     “I even suggested I should be hanged and executed publicly. She simply wasn’t taking me seriously. Anyway, I am so glad she finally put it out,” he added.

    Ali, also said that he wants to release his song in “peace”.

    Ali later on his Instagram story said, “After deeply deliberating various responses, I came to the conclusion that the only right right response is that i am truly deeply sorry.”

    READ MORE: ‘Harraser exposed, disgusting’: Komal Aziz grills Ali Noor amidst harassment controversy

  • State will prosecute Usman Mirza case despite victims refusal to give statement

    State will prosecute Usman Mirza case despite victims refusal to give statement

    Parliamentary Secretary for Law and Justice Barrister Maleeka Bokhari in a tweet has said that the State will pursue prosecution in the Usman Mirza case.

    “The State will pursue prosecution in the Usman Mirza case irrespective of recent developments relating to victim’s testimony. Irrefutable video & forensic evidence on record- anyone harrassing & stripping a woman must face full force of the law,” read Bokhari’s tweet.

    The case came back into the limelight again yesterday when Journalist Rauf Klasra, in a tweet said that the victim couple in the Usman Mirza case have refused to recognise the accused persons. He further said that police has said the couple have taken “one crore and have reached a settlement.”

  • Yasir Shah’s friend escapes court after bail dismissed in rape case

    Yasir Shah’s friend escapes court after bail dismissed in rape case

    Pakistani Test cricketer Yasir Shah’s friend escaped from the Islamabad’s district and sessions court after his pre-arrest bail application was rejected in a sexual assault case on Monday.

    Last month, Shah and his friend Farhanuddin were booked in a case pertaining to the alleged sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

    As per details, hearing on the bail plea was held today. Additional District and Sessions Judge Ata Rabbani after hearing the arguments rejected the pre-arrest bail plea of the accused.

    Subsequently, Farhanuddin fled from the court room while the police failed to arrest him.

    In the first information report (FIR) that has been registered, the girl stated that Yasir Shah’s friend Farhan had allegedly raped her at gunpoint and then filmed the act. Shah allegedly helped his friend to threaten the girl.

    Responding to the news, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja had said that they will deal with this case with zero tolerance policy.

    He also stated that they train and educate these players, they are in ambassadorial positions and should know with whom and where to socialise.

  • Domestic violence calls increase about 52% in 2021

    Domestic violence calls increase about 52% in 2021

    Punjab Women’s Helpline reportedly received 52 per cent more calls about domestic violence from different parts of the province in 2021 as compared to the previous year.

    In the records, an increase of 38 per cent rise was seen in the number of kidnapping cases. Violence outside homes cases was increased to 563 as compared to 497 in 2021, reports Express Tribune.

    Calls against child marriage increased by 31 per cent. Similarly, the helpline received 35 per cent more calls for custody of children as this year 441 cases were recorded.

    On the other hand, there was a decline in complaints about inheritance share and forced marriages.

    However, complaints against forced marriage decreased by 35 per cent.

    The helpline 1043 addressed the inquiries and complaints related to workplace harassment, gender discrimination, property disputes, inheritance rights, domestic violence, hostels, day-care centres and other facilities for working women.

    Last year, the number of sexual harassment cases had increased up to 300 per cent in Lahore.

  • PM appoints Dr Ejaz Akram as Rehmatulil Aalmeen Authority chairman, Twitter criticises appointment

    PM appoints Dr Ejaz Akram as Rehmatulil Aalmeen Authority chairman, Twitter criticises appointment

    Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan on Tuesday appointed Dr Ejaz Akram as chairman of the high-powered National Rehmatulil Aalmeen Authority (NRA), aimed at countering narratives against Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

    Dr Akram, a prominent Islamic scholar who has teaching experience in a number of international universities, received a lot of backlash from social media for his controversial views on democracy, his belief in conspiracy theories apart from being accused of a sexual harasser.

    Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Miftah Ismail shared excerpts from Dr Ijaz’s article which he wrote in 2020, “Many researchers have argued that 9/11 was the fifteenth false flag operation in the history of the United States similar to the Gulf of Tonkin invasion in Vietnam and the sinking of the Lusitania during WWI… “

    “Similarly, coronavirus exists but the global politics of coronavirus is fraudulent. Since its kill rate is less than the ordinary flu, closing down the world economy cannot be justified, yet global powers are all set to do that… The only hope this country has now is if the whole principle and structure of governance is completely dismantled, but preferably peacefully without the loss of life and property,” tweeted Miftah.

    Activist and lawyer, Jibran Nasir tweeted, “A man who publicly despises democracy considering its the worst form of govt, demands the military to take over lost “turf” from “enemies”(civilians) & believes that power should remain amongst a hand-picked elite is appointed head of Rehmatul Lil Alameen (SAW) Authority by @ImranKhanPTI.”

    Fahad Deshmuk, a journalist, took to Twitter and shared a video of Dr Ejaz and wrote, “Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), Siraiki movement, and Jeay Sindh are funded by the enemies of Pakistan.”

    Assistant Professor Erum Haider tweeted, “The new NRA chairman is a known sexual predator and has a history of engaging in harassment.”

    Mariam Durrani, a professor wrote, “While I taught at LUMS, Ejaz Akram was a known predator that the then-admin was unable to address due to lack of testimony bc of the fear of retribution by many women students/faculty.”

    Ifrah Hassan replying to Durrani’s tweet said, “Thank you for naming him. I never could. Even when I wanted to because I was worried that it’s his word over mine.”

    Feminist and academic Nida Kirmani tweeted, “I remember going to a workshop with him once and him hitting on one of the young grad students there. It was gross. Then when I came to LUMS, it was like an open secret, but no one was ever willing to come forward officially.”

  • Hafizabad Court sentenced a father for raping her daughter

    Hafizabad Court sentenced a father for raping her daughter

    The district and sessions court in Hafizabad, Punjab, announced the death penalty to a father for raping his daughter, along with a fine of 0.5 million,, reports Daily Pakistan.

    According to details, the man was proven guilty on Wednesday by the court, after the paternal grandfather of the victim approached law enforcement personnel and registered the heinous crime against his own son for raping his granddaughter in April.

    Meanwhile, the culprit Nasir Ali denied all the accusations and alleged that his father was framing him to get his cattle in possession.

    However, during the trial, the prosecution argued that the grandfather was informed by his granddaughter about the sexual assault subjected on her by her father multiple times. Furthermore, the medical reports prove the sexual abuse of the daughter.

    The judge also stated in his written verdict that the perpetrator does not deserve any leniency for this horrible crime.