Issue No. 35 January-April 2011

Founded by Shahla Zia Patron-in-Chief: Nigar Ahmad Norwegian women have struggled long and hard for their rights Women enjoy equal rights in Norway Mr Akhtar Chaudhry, Deputy Speaker National Parliament of Norway, talks to Legislative Watch Mr Akhtar Chaudhry, the Pakistan-born Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Norway, was in the country to receive the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam conferred on him by the Government of Pakistan in recognition for his services. Taking advantage of his pres- “The first woman ence, the Aurat Foundation spoke to him about women's rights in Norway, in particular Prime Minister their struggle for political and social rights, and measures taken to ensure their partici- was elected in pation in the decision making process. The interview was conducted by Ms Nasreen 1986, and she was a very strong Zehra, Ms Shumaila Tanveer and Ms Mumtaz Mughal from Aurat Foundation’s Lahore office on 29 March, 2011. Details of the interview are presented below. Prime Minister. She stayed so long Question: First of all, we welcome you to During the half hour recess, when children that, according to Pakistan, and then, for the interest of our wanted to eat their snacks, run around and her, her grandson readers, please tell us about your child- talk to each other, this teacher would make hood, education and family background. us pray, say our namaz. When we returned once asked her: Mr. Akhtar Chaudhry: Let me begin by to class, he would bring a stick, and cane "Grandmother, thanking you for this meeting. I belong to those who had been absent for the namaz! can a man become a small village in Lahore and come from Prime Minister?” an average middle class background. My I am convinced that this man did not pro- father was a teacher and my mother a duce a single namazi, but he was responsi- everyday. So the school instead of motivat- household fell on me. So financial difficul- housewife. I was born in the village. We ble for ruining the future of countless ing de-motivated us! This was one reason ties too proved to be an obstacle in contin- were two brothers and one sister, but my pilots, engineers and architects of the why I did not continue my studies. uing further studies. I did my Matriculation elder brother, who was a lawyer in Lahore, country, because many of us did not return and Intermediate as aprivate student. I was died. My father was a very simple man, a to class after the namaz recess when the Then, my father died in 1976. My elder aware that I was intelligent and could study fact of which I am both proud and consid- chemistry and biology classes were usual- brother had his own family to look after; further, but at times circumstances do not er my identity! I studied in the Model High ly held. We used to miss those classes and the responsibility for managing the permit you to move ahead. However, I had School in Model Town, Lahore, until my a strong ambition to make something of Matriculation, and sat for the Intermediate I joined the Socialist Left Party in 1990-1991 as an ordinary member. Then myself, and so I accepted every challenge examination, also from Lahore. After this, “ that came my way. at the age of 20, I left Pakistan. gradually, I became Executive Member of the local wing of the Party; then of the Regional Executive Committee; and then in 1995, I was elected Member of the Oslo City Council for the first time. My voters were the general public. This Question: How did you decide to go to Question: Why didn't you continue your Norway? studies after your Intermediate? journey continued until in 2007, when I became MP. In 2009 our Party has to Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: My mother was Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: I have a friend, nominate one MP into the Presidium. There were 11 members. One of us would keen that I should go abroad. My paternal and he and I were both very good students. be candidate to be on the top of the hierarchy. There were also people who were uncle (God bless him!) was living in Yesterday, when we visited our school we senior to me. I then had only two years of experience in Parliament. I had 12 to Norway. My mother decided to marry me remembered that we used to have a 13 years experience in the City Parliament and 20 years in the Party. In the light to his daughter, and so I joined my wife teacher, Master Fazlur Rehman. He was a of all this the decision was made in my favour . heavily built man and had a long beard. ” Continued on next Page NCSW, CSOs protest as Mukhtaran Mai ‘re-victimised’ ISLAMABAD: In an immediate Lahore High Court. SC maintained the The National Commission on the The Commission and members of reaction, National Commission on punishment of main accused Abdul Status of Women and members of civil society felt that this was the the Status of Women (NCSW), Khaliq and acquitted other 13 accused Insani Huqooq Ittehad, including reflection of a biased and inefficient Aurat Foundation, Human Rights who were arrested for last six years on Aurat Foundation, Rozan, Sungi, criminal justice system. This case has Commission of Pakistan and several apex court orders. Bedari, Ethnomedia, Pattan, PODA, been a classic example of how the other human rights organisations Mehergargh and SPO convened an facts were distorted and documenta- and activists expressed shock, anger A three-judge bench - comprising emergency meeting to express deep tion of the evidence was tampered and disappointment over the Justice Mian Shakirullah Jan, Justice shock and disappointment at the ver- with at all levels. Supreme Court judgement in Nasir-ul-Mulk and Justice Mian Saqib dict given by the superior court in the Mukhtaran Mai’s case. Some of Nisar - rejected Mukhtaran Mai's Mukhtaran Mai gang rape case on 21 The group expressed concern at the them discribed the decision of the appeals against the acquittal of her tor- April 2011. long delays to dispense justice. The Supreme Court as ‘re-victimisation’ mentors and for enhancement of their victim was raped in 2002 on the of Mukhtaran Mai. sentence, by a majority of two to one. Although the judgment did prove that instructions of the local Panchayat. In Mukhtaran was raped because one 2005 the chief justice of the superior The Supreme Court of Pakistan on 21 In his dissenting note, Justice Nasir-ul- accused did get life imprisonment, court took suo moto notice of the case. March, 2011, dismissed the petitions in Mulk partially accepted the appeals of while others were acquitted. We are Despite the intervention it took more Mukhtaran Mai gang rape case. The Mukhtaran Mai to an extent, when he surprised to see why only one accused than nine years to come up with this apex court concluded the suo motto set aside the High Court's verdict of was punished and others were acquit- decision, which is a source of concern notice and has upheld the decision of acquitting the accused. ted on a charge of 'gang rape'. for the women of Pakistan. 2 Politics in Norway is not based on individuals From Page 1 Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: It was recognition Interview with Mr Akhtar Chaudhry of my services to the minorities in general, and established my links with Norway. and recognition of the services of minori- ties to the country. It may be the recogni- Question: Tell us something about your tion of my 20 years services. I felt that children. What are they doing? what I had done in those twenty years had Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: I have, Masha been done well. Also, Allah, four children. My elder daughter is studying law, while my son has a Bachelor's After the King, the Speaker comes next in degree in Business Administration. The two seniority, so in this way I am fifth in line. younger children are 13 and nine years old. My wife prefers to be a housewife, though I Question: What are the prominent would dearly like her to participate more achievements of this 20-year journey? actively in social life! Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: It is difficult to identify any one thing. We don't have poli- Question: What did you do when you first tics based on individuals. We work collec- went to Norway? tively. We are in power for the last six Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: I did everything years, and ours is a left of centre govern- that a man with an Intermediate degree can ment. I guess our achievement is that we do, and I have no hesitation in telling you have barred the way for the centre right, this. I did different types of work, for exam- and especially the extremist right parties ple, I washed dishes in hotels, worked at from coming into power! We believe that petrol stations, delivered newspapers and we need to work hard for the development also worked as a bus driver. But at the same of our country, and for that it is necessary time I was conscious that I had to find some to empower women. way to reach a better place in the world.. (From L to R) Mr Akhtar Chaudhry, Deputy Speaker of the National Parliament of Norway, with the interview panelists Ms Shumaila Tanveer, Ms Nasreen Zehra and We have a Law of Equality that ensures The great historian Toynbee once said that Ms Mumtaz Mughal from Aurat Foundation’s Lahore office on 29 March, 2011. equal rights for all - men, women, minori- three different streams of thought were me what are you doing?". After this I made Parliament was dismissed. Then I saw my ties and disabled persons. However, the constantly agitating his mind. One, he it a principle in life to not criticize, but join Prime Minister (Z. A. Bhutto) being right wing party is very strong, and if it keeps revising the book that he has written, the struggle and help to improve things. hanged. Those five or six years were very comes to power it will repeal this law and thinking of developments that have important in my life. Coupled with this because they say it is not required. We taken place after he has written it; second- As Mohsin Naqvi said: political consciousness, I had become the think that would be a tragedy! ly, he is thinking of the book he is present- 'There is a double burden on our lives O citizen of a country (Norway) that had ly working on; and thirdly, he is thinking Mohsin, strong and firmly established democratic This society has struggled for 100 years, of the book he will write next. Not only must we see but we must also traditions in place. When I started to work and these people are working to undo what think!' in the welfare organization, I began to learn we have achieved. It used to be difficult for Of course, Toynbee was a very great man. So we must see, think and then act! the language and about many other matters. all parents to find places for their children We are not engaged in writing any books, in the kindergartens. When we came to but two thought processes also go around Question: So you also have a liking for Immigrants entered politics in 1981-82 power, the budget for kindergartens used in my mind. First, that whatever I am poetry! when the laws were amended to allow to be 14 billion Kroners. We spend 26 bil- doing it should be done as well and as sin- Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Absolutely! In our those who had lived in Norway for three lion Kroners every year, so that every child cerely as possible; and second, what day there was a generation of great poets: years or longer to vote in the local elec- has the right to be admitted in kinder- should I do next? As precisely such a next garten. Now it is demanded right that only step, I began working for the welfare of the In our Cabinet, at least one third women are ministers and hold the necessary children who were born before or on 31st Pakistani community in Norway in 1982 or “ authority. In the past four or five elected governments, the Ministry of Defense August can be admitted when they are one 83, and sought employment in the Pakistan has always been headed by a woman. Also, the Speaker of the Parliament has year old in the following year; but those Norwegian Welfare Organization. been a woman”. born on or after 1st September can only be admitted the year after. We are trying to Question: What does this organization do institute twice yearly admissions, so that for the welfare of Pakistanis in Norway? Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Ahmed Faraz, Iftikhar tions. They were studying in the same children don't have to wait more than six Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: In the 80s and 90s Arif, Parveen Shakir, Kishwar Naheed, Jon schools, using the same roads, being treat- months to be admitted. the organization began facilitating links Elia, Munir Niazi, Habib Jalib, Ehsan ed in the same hospitals and also paying between Pakistani Norwegians and their Daanish. All of them attracted young peo- taxes. Hence it was decided to include Question: Did you have to face any dis- mother country. It works hard to strength- ple and gave them a world view, a philoso- them in the mainstream as stakeholders, so crimination when you entered politics? en political, literary and cultural ties phy of life. I can't think of any poet in the that they should live and contribute as Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: There is discrimi- between the two countries. In addition, in last fifteen or twenty years about whom we responsible citizens. nation in Norway too - against languages, order to keep Pakistani Norwegians can say that he is saying something of religion and ethnicity. And one can feel informed about their culture, it invited importance. We are still surviving on what Actually, Norwegians had won the right to this; I too feel it. In fact, in the last ten eminent Pakistanis to Norway once a year. has been bequeathed to us earlier! vote in 1909; but in 1981, non-Norwegians years, these attitudes have become worse, It has invited Hamid Ali Al-Makki, who too were given the right to vote in local and this is very painful, especially for was an old Muslim League worker, the Question: You mentioned Toynbee. How bodies. I think some were elected to local Muslims. And we do our utmost to ensure famous painter & poet Aslam Kamal, edi- did you become interested in acquiring bodies in 1983. I joined the Socialist Left that everyone in the country should be tor of Hikayat Inayatullah, Mukhtar knowledge? Party in 1990-1991 as an ordinary mem- entitled to equal rights and be treated Masood the writer and philosopher, and Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: We used to read ber. Then gradually, I became Executive equally, but there is one particular party people like Pareshan Khattak. We organize many books in those days. There was no Member of the local wing of the Party; that has assumed a harsh intolerant termi- literary gatherings and seminars, so that subject that we did not explore! This then of the Regional Executive nology, and people are influenced by them. children born in Norway can learn about sharpened my interest in reading and writ- Committee; and then in 1995, I was elect- We are trying to get them to soften their their cultural heritage. ing and literature. ed Member of the Oslo City Council for rhetoric and moderate their point of view. the first time. My voters were the general We all have to live in the country. Our chil- I started as an ordinary member of this Question: How did you enter politics? public. This journey continued until in dren will become judges, teachers, bus organization, and later was elected Was there anyone else in your extended 2007, when I became MP. drivers and parliamentarians, so we want Secretary General. I worked for twenty family who was a politician? that the harshness should be toned down years in this organization. Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: The family was In 2009 our Party has to nominate one MP and our opponents should become more not generally interested in politics, though into the Presidium. There were 11 mem- moderate. But our opponents too are using Question: How did you learn about the my elder brother, the lawyer, used to attend bers. One of us would be candidate to be all their resources to propagate their ideol- organization? public meetings in the late 60s and early on the top of the hierarchy. There were also ogy against ours. Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: I am a man who 70s. He was a great admirer of Mr. Bhutto, people who were senior to me. I then had takes responsibility. I found soon which I remember! only two years of experience in Electing Haji Tajik and me to Parliament organization would be the best to join. Parliament. I had 12 to 13 years experience was an honour and a responsibility, but it The political journey begins in the mind. I in the City Parliament and 20 years in the was also a way to fight back. The minori- We had good discussions in the organiza- think, I began to develop political aware- Party. In the light of all this the decision ties are a part of the country and equal cit- tion. I was then young. Uses to criticize ness during the 70s when the government was made in my favour. izens. I am convinced that if minorities are everything. An elder friend in the organiza- of an elected Prime Minister was over- tion once said: "Instead of complaining, tell thrown and; a democratically-elected Question: Why did your Party elect you? Continued on next Page 3 Forced marriages in Pakistani community are a problem From Page 2 down upon and are not respected by Interview with Mr Akhtar Chaudhry society. not given their just rights in the world, dif- Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: As I mentioned address it. Our law says that the one who is commit- ferences among people will grow. before, it was in 1911 that the first women Question: Quite recently, a Bill against ting violence should move out of the entered parliament. Then, in the 70s there sexual harassment of women in the work house; not the person on whom violence is Question: What are your views on was a virtual revolution that made women place was passed in Pakistan. Is there a being inflicted. If the woman has to leave, women's empowerment? Are Norwegian very powerful. The first woman Prime similar law in Norway? the children too have to suffer with her. women empowered, do you think? Minister was elected in 1986, and she was Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Things are differ- Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Yes, they are a very strong Prime Minister. She stayed ent in Pakistan and Norway. There is sexu- Question: How can the man be asked to empowered, there is no doubt about it, but so long that, according to her, her grandson al harassment, but the context is different. leave the house; because normally proper- there are still some areas, for example, once asked her: "Grandmother, can a man Over here (in Pakistan) a woman cannot ty is in the name of the man? women are given a year's maternity leave become Prime Minister?" even walk to the end of the street to buy Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: No, it's not so. with pay according to the law. But when milk without being harassed. This kind of The property is owned jointly. Even if the they come back to work they return to the Her Cabinet had 19 or 20 members, of harassment is non-existent in Norway. We man owns the property, he cannot throw same position, while their male colleagues whom nine were women, and this was then have actually strengthened our laws. Two the woman out of the house. She is protect- have moved ahead. big news in the country and abroad. After years ago we modified our laws on rape to ed by the law. The courts can rule that the this no Prime Minister has been able to say that the man should himself be able to man will not come within a distance of 100 Question: But this is natural! The govern- even think of a government without judge if the woman is not willing. He meters or 200 meters of the woman. The ment should promote them anyway! women! It is only when you work at such should not wait for her to physically resist woman is given an alarm that she can press Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: You are right, but a high level that change comes about. him, or tell him that she is not willing, or if she sees the man, and the police will the difference remains. For example, when indicate her unwillingness by her body lan- immediately come to her assistance. there are two or three children, what gener- In our Cabinet, at least one third women guage. It is his responsibility to decide if it ally happens is that the husband works full are ministers and hold the necessary is willing intercourse. If there is the slight- But at times, the man breaks a window to time, while the wife either gives up work authority. In the past four or five elected est suspicion about it then the action will enter the house and the woman sounds the altogether or works four hours a day. This governments, the Ministry of Defense has be considered rape. alarm, but by the time the police arrive affects her career and her pension. So the always been headed by a woman. Also, the she has been killed! So, we have passed equality we talk about is not there yet! Speaker of the Parliament has been a Question: What is the situation regarding another law that a clamp should be fitted woman. domestic violence? around the leg of such men, so that as Question: Has your government taken any Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: This is a huge soon as they step into the forbidden zone steps to address this? When young people are elected to problem. It is sometimes difficult to under- an alarm will immediately alert the Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Absolutely! We Parliament, it is their responsibility to talk stand why there should be so much domes- police. Some people opposed this law, but are proud to say that in the last four years the majority supported it. It has now been we have established kindergartens, and all passed and efforts are being made to man- children who live with their mothers can ufacture the clamp. avail of these facilities at reasonable rates “Pakistani society and its norms are “Violence against Pakistani women and reflected in Pakistani communities, violation of their rights is a bitter reality. after the age of one. The result is that Question: Is there a pressure group within mothers and those who want to work can and Muslim societies are reflected in When women get married and come to Muslim communities wherever they the Norwegian Assembly that influences conveniently leave their children in the Norway, most are unaware of legislation concerning women. kindergartens. are in a minority all over the world”. Norwegian law”. Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Yes, there are such groups affiliated with different politi- Question: Do Norwegian women enjoy cal parties. They have wings within par- the same rights as men? Women “The Penal Code in Norway, made “ ’s representation in our ties. in 1905, is currently being amended, Parliament is about 45%, and they Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Norwegian have all been directly elected. Women and the argument is that the Penal Question: So, parties have women's wings women have struggled long and hard for contest as equals, and there is no law there too. their rights. The truth is that if you yourself Code was made by and for men, and for reserved seats for women or Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: There is no end of are not going to demand them, no one will so it needs to be changed . ” minorities . the road! In this journey you constantly give you your rights - women, youth, ” need to strengthen yourself! industrial workers, peasants, senior citi- on all issues, but people expect them to tic violence in our country. A substantially zens - all. Our women have struggled, and focus mainly on youth. Similarly, women, large number of women suffer every year Question: Forced marriages seem to be a our men too have understood that unless even though they have a point of view on because of domestic violence - even chil- big issue in Norway. Are there many cases you make the women strong, you will not all matters, they are expected to focus dren are battered. I am a member of the in the Pakistani Community? Often after progress. Hence, both men and women especially on women's issues. But this is Committee on Justice and spokesperson marriage these cases lead to 'honour have together worked for these rights. changing. The Penal Code in Norway, for my Party. There is much attention killings.' What steps has the government Women have the same rights as men, but made in 1905, is currently being amended, being given to this issue. taken to deal with this problem? And have even so they have not yet reached the same and the argument is that the Penal Code strategies like the 'Action Plan against level. was made by and for men, and so it needs Question: Are laws being made for this? Forced Marriages' been effective? to be changed. Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Yes, with a sense Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Pakistani society Question: What is the percentage of of urgency. Laws are being made for the and its norms are reflected in Pakistani women's representation in Parliament? Question: How many Bills have been protection of women and the rehabilitation communities, and Muslim societies are Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: About 45%, and passed since your government has been in of men. The root cause of violence against reflected in Muslim communities wherev- they have all been directly elected. Women power? women can be found in societal attitudes. er they are in a minority all over the world. in Norway contest as equals, and there is Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: It is difficult to My understanding of the issue is that men That is why we try and interact with Aurat no law for reserved seats for women or say, but I've heard that 27 or 29 Bills have cannot tolerate being refused. When the Foundation, Sungi and other organizations minorities. However, political parties have been passed by your (Pakistani) woman refuses to comply, the man resorts to strengthen our women. If there is some a sound tradition whereby some seats are Parliament. I think we pass that many Bills to violence. He does not understand that positive change here, it will have an effect reserved for women and candidates from every day! Our Parliament is convened on the woman too is an individual in her own in our country too. the minority communities. The quota sys- the first Sunday of October and remains in right, and she is entitled to refuse him or tem prevails only in local bodies, and also session till the last Friday of June, and accept him. Forced marriages are a problem in committees that are formed, for example, there are three to five sittings every week, Norway. Violence against Pakistani the Health, Education, Law or other com- starting at 10 o'clock in the morning and Question: Are there any support structures women and violation of their rights is a bit- mittees, are required by law to have 40% continuing till 10 at night, sometimes later, for women victims of violence? ter reality. When women get married and representation from men and women both. even up to 2 am until the Bill is passed! Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: The government come to Norway, most are unaware of has provided support since the past 30 Norwegian law. They are not permitted to Question: Is there any difference between Question: Which particular women's years. But 40 years ago, women them- go outside the house. New arrivals are male and female members of the issues are being debated these days? selves, with some help from local gov- given permanent residential permits only Assemblies, or do women face any dis- Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: One is that ernments set up some crisis centres. Now after they have been here for three years. crimination? women should be represented in all walks the government has established crisis This is misused. The woman is told that Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: There is no differ- of life. Also, rape is a big issue in our centres in each union council. In the big- she will be thrown out of the house. ence and no discrimination. If there is any country. We are a small country with a ger cities, there are units smaller than the Heaven knows how she adjusts to these difference, it is that the women are very population of less than 5 million, but each union council, and these are required by conditions! Even after three years if the powerful! year hundreds of rapes are carried out. law to have crisis centres. Hence in each man wants he may or may not give her Nearly one-tenth of all these are reported. town and all areas there are these cen- passport. Question: Do women parliamentarians Women are in the forefront in taking up tres. But here too there are problems. participate actively in the proceedings? this issue and drafting legislation to Women who go to the centres are looked Continued on next Page 4 Norwegian assistance geared towards social development From Page 3 Question: Why do you think Pakistan is Interview with Mr Akhtar Chaudhry not making progress? We have tried to address this issue too. If it Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: I feel sad to think is proved that the woman has been subject- country for a while, Hazrat Omar (RA) evening all the important forces - the Prime that wherever revolutions have taken ed to violence, the government can issue recalled him. People asked, why are you Minister, the Justice Minister, the Police place, it was because there was exploita- her an Independent Residence Permit, so calling him back? He has won many victo- Commissioner, the City Mayor and ries and expanded your kingdom, but Provincial Ministers came out in protest. tion, injustice and inequality in that coun- that she should not have to put up with a try. The upper classes were exploiting the violent situation only because of the fear Hazrat Omar (RA) said: He is a General And three or four days later, at probably the lower classes. Then the people of the coun- that she will be thrown out of the house. and a General must not be more powerful largest demonstration ever, where all the than a civilian head of state. So this issue important people were present, they gave the try rose up against it and said: we cannot tolerate this any longer. But unfortunately, Problems have become magnified in our was settled a long time ago! collective message that this country would in Pakistan people say there is exploitation country. There are political elements who not tolerate such actions and behaviour. and injustice and corruption, but they too say minorities, especially Muslims, should Question: How do you see women's rights seek to become beneficiaries of the sys- not marry partners from Muslim countries, in the context of the political, cultural and The world does not have a good impres- tem, and don't oppose it! or from their own mother country, because social situation in Pakistan? sion about Pakistan. Everyone believes Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: I am pained to see that Pakistani women are suffering and are it hinders integration. If immigrants are Question: How do you feel about being constantly coming into the country there the situation in Pakistan. Those who are in facing immense difficulties. awarded the Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam? must be integration. But, we believe that responsible positions lack courage, and so Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: It is a great hon- such a law cannot be passed to stop such the forces of darkness are strengthened. We are closely watching Pakistan, as is the our for me. I have also won an award in marriages because it is your basic right to The tragedy is that those, in whom we had whole world. This is a huge country with a Norway by being elected as Deputy marry whosoever you wish. placed our hopes that they would dispel the population of 180 million. It is a nuclear suffocation and give women and minorities power and has the fifth largest army in the Speaker, and I am grateful to God! But my Party thought and discussed about Sitara- Question: But is there such a lobby? their just rights and scatter the dark clouds world. But the behaviour of its people is e-Quaid-e-Azam. Our Party does not often Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: There is, and it is of religious extremism, are displaying lack worrying. This pains us, but Pakistan itself is of sense. They perhaps believe that they suffering the greatest harm! The ex-Prime accept awards. We are vey careful and we very powerful! But we can also see that it seriously discussed whether the award is harmful. My children are not Pakistani will win more votes this way, and with a Minister of the country was assassinated; the should be accepted. children. My children were born there; bigger vote bank they will be able to imple- Governor of the largest province has been they studied in institutions where other ment their policies. I doubt that if you have assassinated, a Federal Minister has been Question: Why did you have such reserva- Norwegian children study. Their father come into power with the votes of these assassinated. These are very dangerous por- tions? migrated from Pakistan some time in the dark forces, you will be able to implement tents. Pakistan must first of all address this Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Because you have past. They will think kindly about this your policies! You will not be able to fol- extremist behaviour. Its politicians and lead- to consider why you are being given the country - it was their grandfather's country low anything other than their agenda. ers must act with courage. But unfortunately award. You are just doing your job, so why - but the girl herself is Norwegian. If you this is not happening! And not only politi- I was present in the President House when cians, but media and intellectuals too are not the award? Awards can make us think too marry her to a Pakistani man, even if he is much of ourselves, that we belong to some as well-educated as she is, the difference in members of your Parliamentary doing what they should be doing. Pakistan special class, and the way we think affects mindset will remain. For this reason there Committee that finalized the 18th seems to be in a civil war, and whoever acts our work. So we thought about it a great are clashes and the marriage breaks up! Amendment were given awards, and was with boldness and courage will win! sad to see that there was not a single deal and decided that we can use this as a means to strengthen relations between our Question: How successful has the Action woman among them. I asked about this I have spoken to several people here about two countries. Otherwise too, the world Plan adopted by the Norwegian Ministry and was told that there were no women this. Whether it was the Senate Chairman, has shrunk. Now no Pakistani is a of Children and Equality been in dealing members in the committee. Pakistan was a Speaker of the National Assembly, Federal Pakistani and no Norwegian is a with such cases? country of 180 million people in 2010, and Ministers, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly there are no women in this important par- or the Governor Punjab, I highlighted Norwegian. It was in this capacity that I Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Denmark has for- met with your government representatives bidden marriages outside the country. We liamentary committee! This would signify issues concerning women and minorities, and conveyed to them all the things which too have imposed certain restrictions, such that no woman in the country is capable of told them that we were concerned and I considered very important. as: the reunion age should be around 21 contributing to the committee! But there emphasized that greater efforts needed to years, the partners should at least have a are capable women! Those who put the be made to urgently address the situation. A few days ago a young man in Stockholm high school degree, or should have worked committee together did not have the sense exploded a bomb. Fortuitously, only he for at least four years after basic education, to realize that strong and independent Question: You have described some best himself was killed. If ten people had been he/she should have a reasonable income. women must be included. practices. Should these be shared with the killed, there could have mourning in Dina, The purpose is that after home and school Government? The communication between our two Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: We speak about it Gujrat, too, because people from all over they should have developed some relation- the world live in Stockholm. Now you ship with other people and should know countries must be maintained. I have met in our conversations. Norwegian funding can't kill only white people. Your own peo- about their basic rights. Also, his or her the Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza, and I will in Pakistan too is focused; 40 million dol- ple also get killed. contacts with other people should be go back and tell them that the highest posi- lars funding in the next four years is geared strong enough to be able to call upon tion after the President of Pakistan is held towards achieving the Millennium Question: What is your message for the somebody for help, if needed. by a capable and accomplished woman. Development Goals for women and chil- This is a very positive development. dren in Sindh. And this year we are spend- people of Pakistan? Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Whatever I am We have appointed Advisors in schools, ing 6 million dollars on children's educa- saying is against my mandate, against pro- especially schools where there are more Question: Do you think that the present tion in this country. Also, 3.5 million are religious extremism is worsening the prob- being given to Women Organizations like tocol! I am the Deputy Speaker of a foreign children from the minority communities. country, and I am sitting in your country. There is also an Advisor in the Embassy of lems for Pakistani women? Aurat Foundation to spend on women and And there is a principle that you will not Pakistan whose job is to remain in touch Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: When Salman minorities. interfere in the domestic affairs of another with those who come from Pakistan to get Taseer was assassinated, if the President, country. But I love this country, and while married here, and be watchful that forced the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, the We divide our funding into three parts: one remaining within my limits I will stress that marriages don't take place. Chief Minister of Punjab and Members of part we give to the United Nations, anoth- the National and Punjab Assemblies had er part to NGOs and a smaller portion to it is absolutely necessary to rid Pakistan of religious extremism, because this will be Question: Is the violence against women been present at his funeral, it would have government. There is some concern in our beneficial for everyone. situation the same in all countries? sent a strong and resolute message to the Parliament about corruption in the govern- nation. But the message they are now ment; that is why we route our funding Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: Not at all! Those countries that have left religious European politicians don't lie to you. They sending out is that you are so powerful that through the United Nations and through extremism behind are the ones that are suc- admit it if there is a problem. But European we are supporting you! I told the Governor NGOs and organizations. cessful. All the maulvis combined could politicians are working honestly and sin- of Punjab that you have built these high not have made this country. It was a secu- cerely to address the problem. walls around you, but if you think that Question: What is your impression; do makes you safe, it will not. You will only Pakistanis really love their country? Or do lar man who did this. It is now necessary to call a halt to religious extremism, and to do Question: Are martial laws (military rule) be strong if you, with 100 others, stand on they just talk? this it is necessary to act with courage. The ever imposed in Norway? the road and state firmly that such actions Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: They definitely correct interpretation of Quran will help Mr Akhtar Chaudhry: We have a pretty and attitudes are not acceptable in love Pakistan very much, but many don't Pakistan. How many people will they kill? know how to express it! People think it you to achieve this goal. small army in Norway! Only 13 000 sol- diers. But Pakistan always does things that means that we should always be ready to Our people have so much knowledge. You are contrary to good sense! We Muslims About ten years ago, in Norway some sacrifice their lives; when all it means is just have to read Allama Iqbal. In the last had long ago decided that armies should be extremist youths came out on the streets. that if the rules say we should drive on the poem in Bal-e-Jibreel the devil is addressing answerable to the civilian government. They had only one plan: to kill a non-white left side of the road, then you must drive his advisors. Iqbal has spelt out all the ways Khalid bin Walid was a very capable person that day. They got hold of a 14-year- on the left! Serving Pakistan means that if in which the Muslims will be destroyed. The General. When he was serving outside the old boy and killed him. This was the first you have to be in the office at 8 am then racist murder in our country. That same you must be there at 8 am, not 0805 am! Muslims must read this from time to time. 5 EDITORIAL Women legislators outshine in One of the landmark features of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, passed by the Parliament in April 2010, was the strengthening of third Parliamentary Year provincial autonomy through abolition of concur- ISLAMABAD: Women Members of the National through popular vote, who made more than 20 par- rent list of the Constitution. Devolution of power Assembly accounted for almost half of the parlia- liamentary interventions each during the third parlia- and resources to the provinces has been a long- mentary agenda conducted during the third parlia- mentary year in the National Assembly. Among standing demand of the smaller provinces and mentary year of the thirteenth National Assembly, popularly elected women Members Dr. Azra Afzal exponents of people-centred development in according to parliamentary records and FAFEN's Pacheho (PPPP), Ms. Saira Afzal Tarar (PMLN) and Pakistan. Under the 18th Amendment, 40 of the 47 direct observation of proceedings between March Mrs. Shamshad Sattar Bachani (PPPP) put up 54, 34, subjects in the concurrent list are to be handed over 11, 2010 and March 4, 2011. and 30 parliamentary interventions, respectively. to provinces before June 30, 2011, the deadline set in the package.Under the implementation package, Women constitute less than one-quarter (23%) of the Agenda-wise, during the third parliamentary year, 136 the process of devolution of several federal min- National Assembly's current 340 members - 77 Members of the National Assembly (MNAs) moved istries including the Ministry of Women's female parliamentarians, 60 elected on reserved 130 Calling Attention Notices (CANs), of which 37 Development, has either been completed or is near seats and 17 elected through popular vote. Despite (29%) were women Members. In total, female MNAs completion. their significant underrepresentation, women collaborated with their male colleagues in submitting Members actively participated in the parliamentary 108 CANs (82%). CAN is an important parliamentary With regard to process of devolution and provincial business and remained more assertive and effective business through which Members call attention of autonomy, there is complete consensus within civil as compared to many of their male counterparts in some ministry to an issue of urgent nature. society organizations that maximum provincial the National Assembly that is headed by the coun- autonomy should be ensured and all measures in try's first woman Speaker. Female parliamentarians' contribution to oversight accordance with the letter and spirit of the 18th of executive through putting questions was exempla- Amendment must be undertaken and implemented The women parliamentarians put up 2,458 parlia- ry, as out of 3,339 questions raised in the Assembly in all sincerity. However, a number of women's mentary interventions during the entire third parlia- during the third parliamentary year, more than half rights organizations have serious apprehensions mentary year. FAFEN defines a parliamentary inter- (1,685 or 51%) were put forward by female that some critical issues are being overlooked by vention as each of the instances when a Member of Members. On average, 22 questions were submitted the decision-makers vis-à-vis the devolution of the National Assembly either submits an agenda by each female MNA, almost four times more ques- Ministry of Women's Development (MoWD). item on the Orders of the Day (Calling Attention tions than their male counterparts. These need to be elaborated here with the purpose Notices, Questions, Private Members' Bills, etc.) or of preserving the gains made by women's rights raises his/her concerns during a debate on the floor In legislation, which is a core business of the movement in exercise of affirmative action meas- of the House (Points of Order, Supplementary National Assembly, female parliamentarians were ures under the 1973 Constitution over the decades. Questions, Debate on Adjournment Motions, etc.). quite active in bringing up Private Members' Bills. The establishment of the MoWD has been one of Out of 34 Private Members' Bills on the Orders of the outcomes of this struggle. The foremost concern Despite the fact that 18 women parliamentarians the Day, half (17, or 50%) were submitted by single is that which mechanism will ensure that women's failed to participate in any form of parliamentary female Members, including the only Private interests are cross cutting at the national level after business during the entire year and 43 women parlia- Members' Bill passed by the Assembly during the the MoWD's devolution; which agency, ministry or mentarians came up with less than 10 parliamentary third parliamentary year. More than one-fourth mechanism will be responsible for policy sugges- interventions, the remaining 34 female parliamentar- (28.9%) of the Members who took part in debate tions, national laws and national plans; what will be ians contributed almost half of the parliamentary about the budget proposals were women, with a total the focal point at the national level and where business conducted during the year. of 33 female parliamentarians (44% of all female provincial plans and programmes are integrated for MNAs) taking an active role. national programme and plan processes and; which There were 10 female parliamentarians, who con- mechanism will be responsible for ensuring the tributed more than 100 interventions each during the Women Members also sponsored 75 Resolutions implementation of international norms, commit- year. These 10 active parliamentarians can be credited (94.9% of Resolutions put forward) either independ- ments, conventions and policies. The civil society for 60% of the participation registered by all female ently or jointly with male or female Members, and organizations believe that this role should not be parliamentarians. In other words, these 10 women more than half of all Resolutions (46, or 58%) were dispersed under different mechanisms, e.g. to EAD, Members accounted for around one-quarter of the par- put forth by individual female Members. Planning Commission, Cabinet Division etc. None liamentary activity in the National Assembly during Resolutions are a crucial part of the parliamentary of these mechanisms have a women-specific focus the year. All the women parliamentarians conducting agenda, through which the House expresses its opin- or internal commitment which would ensure unifor- more than 100 parliamentary interventions have been ion on some issue. mity, connectivity, ownership, continuity and cross- elected on reserved seats and with the exception of one cutting nature of women's interests that have been Member of PML, all belong to PMLN. Female MNAs also took part in other agenda items earned by them through a historic struggle , nation- including Motions Under Rule 259 and discussion ally and globally. Female parliamentarians with more than 100 inter- on Matters of Public Importance. Women MNAs ventions include Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan with 176 were active in the submission of 55 (80.9%) Motions Let us not lose one gain in order to win another. interventions, Ms. Marvi Memon (171), Ms. Nuzhat Under Rule 259, including 12 Motions (18%) joint- Sadiq (164), Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb (161), Ms. ly sponsored by male and female Members, eight Qudsia Arshad (155), Ms. Nisar Tanveer (154), Ms. Motions (12%) tabled by groups of female Khalida Mansoor (131), Ms. Tasneem Siddiqui Members, and 35 (51%) Motions put forth by indi- (130), Ms. Nighat Parveen Mir (120) and Ms. vidual female Members. Shaheen Ashfaq (114). With the exception of Ms. Marvi Memon from the PML, all of these parliamen- Fourteen Matters of Public Importance were brought tarians are affiliated with the PMLN. On average, forth by 22 Members of the National Assembly, Legislative Watch is produced by the Resource each of these 10 parliamentarians put up 112 ques- including 10 male Members (4% of 263 male Service of the Legislative Watch Programme for tions. More than one third of the total questions Members) and 12 female Members (16% of 77 Women’s Empowerment of Aurat Publication and (34%), which were tabled on the floor of the House female Members). As many as 41 female Members Information Service Foundation at Islamabad. were put up by these parliamentarians. (53.2% of all women MNAs) from six parliamentary parties participated in raising Points of Order during Advisory Board: The women parliamentarians elected through popu- the third parliamentary year. I.A. Rehman, Tahira Abdullah, Naeem Mirza lar vote contributed to only 8% of the interventions to the participation registered by all female parlia- Women Members raised a total of 199 Points of Order Editorial Board mentarians. The popularly elected women make during the year, including 23 POs related to non-inclu- Wasim Wagha, Sarwat Wazir 22% of the parliamentary strength of female sion of their submitted agenda items on Orders of the Letters, opinions and contributions are welcome. Members in the National Assembly. There were five Day or seeking permission to take part in discussions Please write to House 12, Street 12, F-7/2, Islamabad popularly elected women parliamentarians who did on agenda items submitted by other Members. Tel: (051) 2608956-8, Fax: (051) 2608955 not register any participation during the entire year, Email: [email protected] Website: www.af.org.pk while another six parliamentarians made less than 10 (Courtesy to Free and Free Election Network - a Layout & design by: Kashif Gulzar interventions. There were five female parliamentari- network of 44 civil society organizations working to Printing funded by: MFA, Norway ans -- four from PPPP and one PMLN -- elected foster democratic accountabilities in Pakistan) 6 Citizens' Charter for rehabilitation of flood affectees [In order to discuss and mark the common 15. Land Reforms: To address grounds between the government institu- poverty, the poor need assets to sustain tions, donors and civil society organiza- their livelihoods, which, in case of tions, in the up-coming recovery and reha- rural areas, are titles to land. The gov- bilitation work for the affectees of August ernment must set up a commission to 2010 floods, the National Humanitarian explore options for land reforms Network - NHN (a network of civil society including the purchase of excess land organizations) presented and discussed holdings from landlords to distribute to Citizens' Charter of Demand at a Round the landless. Table titled 'Reviewing Post-Flood Situation & Framing Way Forward on 16. Pay Special Attention on Citizens Charter of Demands' on March 2, Doubly Affected Areas: The areas 2011, at the Islamabad Hotel. We are re- such as Swat, Kohistan, Dir and producing important demands from the Jaffarabad have already been affected charter for readers' information.] (From L to R) Karamat Ali, Samina Khan, Senator Jan Jamali, speaking as the by military operations; thus, the recent chief guest at the round table, Naseer Memon, Sarwar Bari, Irfan Mufti. floods have aggravated their economic 1. End Monopoly: We urge  The current administration women to register complaints of sexu- deprivation. These areas should be social movements and CSOs to join regulating Watan Cards is inadequate. al harassment, gender discrimination paid special attention for relief opera- hands for the implementation of the In many parts of the country, the ATM and denial of services. tions and rehabilitation. article 38 of the Constitution of machines are not operating. The gov-  Women should be included in Pakistan which prohibits the monopoly ernment should set up mobile ATMs decision-making processes at all levels 17. Build on Existing Structures: of a few families over the means of pro- for the Watan Cards. in disaster mitigation efforts. Women Instead of creating new structures dur- ductive resources and guarantees hous- shall be given representation in ing emergencies, it is always better to ing, employment, and social services to 7. Improve Farmers' Package: DDMAs, PDMAs and NDMA. work through existing social networks, the people. We also urge the govern- There is substantial information gap as it is tested, effective and efficient. ment to introduce comprehensive with regards to the Farmers Package, 11. Protection of Children's The government and donor agencies reform package that eliminate monop- its content and the mechanism con- Rights: shall therefore, work with the local oly of feudal/tribal chiefs and cartels. cerning its distribution. Due to lack of  Children's education should be partners and re-build the existing struc- information, farmers are unable to resumed in all locations so that chil- tures. 2. End Disparities: Civil society access the package. The state should dren can start normal life in order to members note that existing social, gen- address the issue of duplication of lessen their trauma and stress. Since 18. Respect UN-Guiding der and regional disparities have wors- channels of distribution for the farm- those who lost all their assets in the Principles: All humanitarian interven- ened due to the floods. They demand ers' package as currently multiple gov- floods are in no position to continue tions should incorporate UN-Guiding that the state revisit its exclusionary ernment agencies are simultaneously the education of their children, the Principles, the Sphere Standards and national policies that lie at the root of implementing the Farmers Package. government should respond to the the relevant articles of the Constitution the existing social and economic gaps, demands of the flood affectees to pro- of Pakistan. the burden of which has been borne by 8. Restoration of vide free education and stipend to the the poor and the deprived of Pakistan. Infrastructure: The means of com- affectee's children. 19. Reinstate Local Councillors: munication destroyed during the  The continuous displacement Elected local councils provide the best 3. Announce Rehabilitation course of floods must be restored and and sluggish pace of rehabilitation has structures to cope with any disaster. Plan: The governments should make their construction quality and design exposed children to a number of vul- The NDMA Disaster Management the rehabilitation plan public and invite should incorporate risk reduction. nerabilities including physical and sex- Plan 2010 is also heavily dependent on broader consultation for rehabilitation. ual abuse and child labour. The gov- elected local councillors. Therefore, 9. Restore Social Services ernment shall set up Child Rights we demand immediate reinstatement 4. Decentralise Relief Immediately: Schools and health Complaint Cells at district level that of the local councils. /Rehabilitation: We note with concern units destroyed should be immediately should be linked to facilities offering that the over-centralized disaster man- reconstructed. The new reconstructed protection to children. 20. Census: The forthcoming cen- agement structures and dismantling of structures should be accessible to sus should be inclusive, broad-based the local government bodies worsened women. In this regard, mobile health 12. Vocational Training: There and represent the diversity in language, the damage caused by floods. The state units for areas with inadequate health should be specific focus on youth of ethnicity, religious backgrounds, pro- needs to restore these structures and facilities need to be initiated. affected areas. The Benazir Youth fessional occupation and other aspects, decentralize disaster management to Support Programme should create spe- that characterise Pakistan's population. enable a quick state response to disas- 10. Rehabilitation of Women: cial provision of educational, vocation- The flood affectees have demanded ters.  State land should be distrib- al, and social programmes directed that the union councils should register uted among flood affectees, especially specifically at youth. the village level population. 5. Cancel Foreign Debt: We to women involved in farming. As a demand the immediate implementation starting point, women should be given 13. Cancellation of Outstanding 21. Peace and Security: State of the Senate resolution on debt write two acres to initiate small-scale agri- Debts of Haris: The damage caused to shalll make efforts to curb extremism off. Rather than continuing with its culture activities on their own. Women the cultivated land and the missed and militancy that has crippled the unproductive spending, the state should be given assistance with seeds, crops cycle resulting from floods have social, economic and political progress should introduce public austerity water, training and seed-funding to already pushed haris (farmers) further of the country. Fast track action is need- measures and control defence spend- cultivate their land. down the poverty spiral. The govern- ed to stop the recruitment drive by the ing.  Full compensation for live- ment, therefore, shall cancel all out- extremists to lure children and youth stock losses should be given to the standing debts of the haris from the into furthering their destructive causes. 6. Disburse 2nd Tranche of the women directly since women are pri- affected areas. Watan Cards Now: mary caretakers of household animals. 22. Safeguard Minorities  The amount promised by the  Women artisans (home based 14. Social Security for Flood Rights: During the recent floods, there state under the Watan Cards system handicrafts workers) should be provid- Affectees and Agriculture Workers: have been host of complaints regarding should be released immediately. The ed tools and compensation on urgent Flood affectees should be registered discriminatory treatment meted out to state must announce a date by which basis to resume livelihoods. for social security without delay. the minorities in the course of the relief time the second instalment of the  The health needs of women Workers who have lost their livelihood phase. The post floods rehabilitation Watan Cards is released. and children should be prioritized and during the course of floods must be order must outline minorities' rights as  The state should redevelop the traditional birth attendants should be immediately provided unemployment a priority agenda. In addition, the state criteria for issuing the Watan Cards as re-recruited to assist women. allowance. Furthermore, the state should form adequate structures to the existing one excludes people with  Gender Discriminations should initiate specific social security monitor progress on addressing no CNICs and widowed women by way Complaint Cells should be established schemes directed at agriculture work- minorities' issues and their access to of the provision for 'head of the family'. at District or Tehsil levels to allow ers. state institutions be facilitated. 7 National Advisory Forum of GEP launched AF Staff Report Giligit Baltistan. Ms Ghazala Gola, stressed that women of Balochistan Gender Equity Program of Aurat were not behind anyone; and they are Foundation, supported by USAID, cel- determined to contribute to national ebrated 100 years of International struggle for equality and justice for all. Women's Day with the inaugural meet- Ms Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto said that ing of National Advisory Forum and women in rural areas are so much launch of a documentary "Main Safar caught in making bread and butter for Main Hoon". Both the events were their family that they are unaware of held on 26 March, 2011, at a local their basic rights. Ms Sitara Ayaz said hotel in Islamabad. that people of Khyber Pakhtunkhaw are in a state of war, which is affecting Members of the National Advisor women's very basic human righs. Mr Forum include Dr Nafisa Shah, Kamran Michael appreciated Aurat Secretary General of Women's Foundation for its composed struggle Parliamentary Caucus, Ms Anis for women's empowerment. Haroon, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women, Dr Nafisa Shah speaking at the event as Chief Guest; on stage (L-R), Simi Kamal, Mr Naeem Mirza, Chief Operating Ms Samina Khalid Ghurki, Federal COP GEP, Sitara Ayaz, Provincial Minister on Women's Development, KP, Officer, Aurat Foundation, earlier wel- Minister Women's Development, Ms Ghazala Gola, Provincial Minister on Women's Development, Balochistan, Dr comed and briefed the participants on the Shahnaz Wazir Ali, member National Marilyn Wyatt and Anis Haroon, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status Gender Equity Program and introduced Assembly, Ms Yasmeen Rehman, of Women. the National Advisory Forum (NAF) and member National Assembly, Senator artist and women's right activist and Dr the United States has made a long-term its members. Ms Simi Kamal, Chief of Nilofar Bakhtiar, Ms Saadia Danish, Alya Khan, Professor Department of commitment to improving the lives of Party, Gender Equity Program stated that Advisor to Chief Minister, Gilgit Economics, QAU. women in Pakistan and that all U.S. NAF is an important national forum for Baltistan, Ms Ghazala Gola, Provincial development strategies reflect the consultation and brainstorming broader Minister on Women's Development, Dr Nafisa Shah, while addressing the importance of women's core roles in gender equity/equality strategies and it Balochistan, Ms Sitara Ayaz, participants, expressed hope that raising families, providing health care, can provide direction to GEP, as well as Provincial Minister on Women's Gender Equity Programme of Aurat running businesses, providing educa- to the government and other gender enti- Development, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Foundation would deliver effectively tion and feeding children. ties in the country. Ms. Tauqeer Fatimah Bhutto, the much needed financial support for Provincial Minister on Women's women's rights. She expressed hope Ms Anis Haroon said women’s strug- A documentary "Main Safar Main Development, Sindh, Mr Kamran that the joint efforts of government and gle over 100 years has resulted in some Hoon" was also screened at the end of Michael, Provincial Minister on civil society organization would surely important gains nationally and global- the event. The documentary focused on Women's Development, Punjab, result in a gender sensitive and just ly, which women must preserve. the 100 year journey of women all over Justice (Retd.) Majida Razvi, Mr society in Pakistan. the world, particularly highlighting the Ehsan Sadiq, AIG, Islamabad Police, Ms Saadia Danish, in her address high- achievements and sacrifices of Pakistani Ms Samina Pirzada, renowned TV Dr. Marilyn Wyatt told the forum that lighted the problems of women in women, starting from 1911 till 2011. 8,000 incidents of violence against women during 2010 AF Staff Report that evil social practices persist, such The FIR status of the gathered data (246 in Punjab; 136 in Sindh; 89 in as the fact that several women were reveals that 3650 cases reported were KPK; 4 in Balochistan; 11 in Aurat Foundation released the statis- exchanged like cattle to settle disputes registered while 1118 cases were not Islamabad); tics on violence against women in adjudicated by illegal jirgas, or hun- registered. The remaining 430  74 cases of sexual assault: Pakistan during 2010. The data was dreds were killed on the pretext of so- cases have no information about (39 in Punjab; 34 in Sindh; 0 in released in March 2011, at a press called 'honour'. whether or not the cases been regis- KPK; 0 in Balochistan; 1 in conference in Islamabad. According tered or not. Islamabad); to the figures, there were 8000 inci- There has been 13 % increase in the  38 cases of burning: dents of violence against women in violence against women in 2009 over Following is the break down of the (33 in Punjab; 0 in Sindh; 3 in KPK; the country in 2010. Based on the the preceding year in 2008. But the compiled 8000 cases reported in 2010 1 in Balochistan; 1 in Islamabad); reported cases in a majority of news- data analysis of 2010 reflects a on regional basis:  32 cases of acid throwing: papers of Pakistan, no FIR was regis- decrease of 6% over the preceding year (20 in Punjab; 3 in Sindh; 0 in tered in a large number of incidents, in 2009.  2236 cases of abduction/kid- KPK; 5 in Balochistan; 3 in reflecting the citizens' lack of confi- napping: Islamabad); dence in police. The decrease in figures is due to the (1890 in Punjab; 246 in Sindh;  1579 cases of violence were of fact that the recent natural catastrophe 77 in KPK; 2 in Balochistan; 21 in miscellaneous nature: Out of a total 8000 incidents, as many in the country not only damaged the Islamabad); (vanni/swara, custodial violence, as 5492 cases of violence were report- main infrastructure of most of the  1436 cases of murder: torture, trafficking, child marriages, ed from Punjab; 1652 from Sindh; flood affected districts but also led to (758 in Punjab; 309 in Sindh; 328 in incest, threat to violence, sexual 650 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 79 the loss of valuable official, judicial KPK; 15 in Balochistan; 27 in harassment, attempted murder, from Baluchistan and 127 from and crime records. Moreover, as the Islamabad); Land Encroaching, harassment at Islamabad. The figures of Islamabad media's focus was also shifted in high-  928 cases of rape/gang-rape: workplace, suicide & rape) in the are alarming given the smaller popu- lighting the relief activities throughout (741 in Punjab; 157 in Sindh; 5 in four provinces and in Islamabad. lation and high security maintained in the country, the women related issues KPK; 6 in Balochistan; 19 in the capital. were less reported. Islamabad); Unfortunately, the number and per-  633 cases of suicide: centage of the cases of abduction/kid- Of the total incidents, 2236 women The collected data represents the (424 in Punjab; 164 in Sindh; 54 in napping are 2236 with a very high pro- were abducted; 1436 women were reported incidence of violence against KPK; 8 in Balochistan; 7 in portion of 27.95%. Murder combined murdered and 557 were killed in the women from 113 Districts of Pakistan Islamabad); with 'honor' killings total to another name of ' honour'; 928 women were i.e. 36 districts of Punjab; 23 of Sindh;  557 cases of 'honor' killing: ugly figure of 1193, constituting raped; 633 women committed suicide; 26 of KPK; 28 of Baluchistan, (233 in Punjab; 266 in Sindh; 22 in 14.9% of total crimes against women, 32 women were made victim of acid Islamabad Capital Territory and feder- KPK; 36 in Balochistan; 0 in with 1436 murders of women attacks and 38 women were target of ally and Provincially Administered Islamabad); (17.95%) and 557 'honor' killing of stove burning. This is a grim reminder Areas.  486 cases of domestic violence: women (6.96%). 8 Women’s resolve on 12 Feb. & 8th March - we shall win

A view of the 8 March celebrations inside the premises of Karachi Provincial Assembly. Women flying kites at Nishtar Park, Peshawar, to cele- ISLAMABAD: Pakistani women and their support- brate 100th International Women's Day. Women members of Punjab Assembly and members of ers observed 12 February and 8 March in 2011 with also read her poem. Pictures of '12th February lathi civil society lighting candles to celebrate International renewed vigour and resolved to continue their stug- charg 1983' were also shown in a slide show. gle for equality, justice peace and democracy in all Women's Day. major cities of Pakistan. Members of civil society Auditorium, Islamabad. Representatives of civil In Lahore, the 100th International Women's Day was organizations, women's rights activists and peoples society organizations, women rights activists, student celebrated by Aurat Foundation and HomeNet from different walks of life held a rally on 8th from universities and women from grassroots were Pakistan jointly by organizing an envet, including a March, 2011, under the platform of Insani Haqooq among the participants. Bushra Goher, Chairperson, panel discussion, on March 7, 2011, in the premises Ittehad (IHI), from Clock Chowk, Kalsoom Plaza to Standing Committee on Women Development, in her of Punjab Assembly. Women parliamentarians, repre- Parade Chowk, in front of the Parliament House in sentatives from civil society organizations, political Islamabad. Women's Charter of Demand, read out by and social activists and media participated in the Rabeeha Hadi from Aurat Foundation. The partici- event. Faiza Malik, MPA-PPPP presented a declara- pants were carrying 'Doves of Peace', which were tion on women’s rights issues. The panelists included prepared by the school children and teachers of Zakia Shahnawaz, Advisor to CM for Special Khaldunya High School. Education, Social and Population Welfare, Mehnaz Rafi, renowned women's rights activist, Azma Zahid While commemorating the National Women's Bukhari, MPA-PPPP, Amna Ulfat, MPA-PML (Q) Day, on 12th February, Aurat Foundation and and Arifa Khalid, MPA-PML (N). OXFAM-GB, under 'Raising Her Voice' programme, jointly paid tribute to women leaders from grass- In Karachi, around thirty Karachi-based organiza- roots on 11 February, 2011 at Holiday Inn, tions organized a grand rally from Karachi Press Islamabad. Mukhtaran Mai, an icon of struggle and Club to Arts Council of Pakistan. Members of citizen courage in Pakistan and abroad, Dr Aman Mustafa action committees (CACs), media, school teachers, and Haleema Bhutto were guests of honour. Women nurses and lady health workers (LHWs) joined the leaders Ms Riffat Khan, Qamar Bano, Razia celebrations in large numbers. In a seperate event, Sultana, Razia Mudassar, Surya Manzoor, Attiya Aurat Foundation, distributed shields to women leg- Batool and Ghazala Anjum, told their stories. Sarkar islators of Sindh Assembly in a seminar and cultural Abbass, Advocate Supreme Court and Feroza Zahra, evening organized at the Sindh Assembly building Programme Manager, Raising Her Voice, Oxfam, on 14 March, 2011. The distinguished guests on the also spoke at the event. panel included Nisar A Khuhro, Speaker Sindh Assembly, Shehla Raza, Deputy Speaker, Sindh, National Commission on the Status of Women Tauqeer Fatima Bhutto, Minister for Women's (NCWS) in collaboration with Aurat Foundation, Development, Nargis N D Khan, Minister for Social Pothohar Organization for Development Advocacy Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Advisor to Prime Minister, speak- Welfare, Anis Haroon, Chairperson, NCSW, Simi (PODA) and Pakistan Television (PTV) jointly ing at the function (top picture); Anis Haroon, Nasreen Kamal, Chief of Party, GEP of AF and Mahnaz organized a public gathering on February 11, 2011, at Azhar presenting shield to Mukhtaran Mai, in an event Rahman, RD, AF Karachi. LWP regional coordinator the Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad. organised by NCSW on 11 Feburary in Islamabad. Adv. Rubina Brohi presented special shield to the Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Advisor to Prime Minister, pre- Speaker, Nisar A Khuhro, who in turn distributed sented the history of women's struggle for equal address, said that religious extremism and shields to all the distinguished women parliamentar- rights and status in Pakistan. Anis Haroon, Talbanization have roots in state systems and policies ians and the women artists, as a gesture of apprecia- Chairperson NCSW, gave a guiding presentation on like education system and policies. Justice (R) Nasira tion for their continued struggle for women's the 'Way Forward - Where we do go now from here'. Javaid Iqbal said that although Pakistan ratified empowerment. The award ceremony was followed Earlier, Zahida Hina spoke on the socio-cultural CEDAW in 1996, it has failed to remove discrimina- by a cultural evening where renowned artists Shazia aspect of religious extremism and its impact on tory laws against women. Today women's rights in Khusk and Sheema Kirmani performed. women. Rehana Taufique and Shabnam Shakeel Pakistan are progressively deteriorating. Dr Farzana read their poetry on women's struggle. Renowned Bari, Rukhshanda Naz, Director, Samina Khan, also In Peshawar, Aurat Foundation, Peshawar office cel- singer Fareeha Pervez sang famous poems. spoke on the occasion. A recorded interview of ebrated 8th March, in collaboration with other civil famous poet Kishwar Naheed was also played for the society organisations at Nishtar Hall by airing the In another event, Insani Haqooq Ittehad organized a participants. Alya Mirza, another women activist, Pashto music and Atan dance. Skits were presented on discussion on 'Religious Extremism and its Impact on the theme of 'Sexual Harassment' and 'HIV-AIDS'. Women', on February 12, 2011, at National Library Women also performed kite-fying on the occasion.

A view of the Islamabad rally on 8 March. A view of the IHI event on 12 February at Islambad. A view of AF and OXFAM-GB event in Islamabad.