S a u t e - e - N i s w a n The Voice of Women

National Commission on the Status of Women

NEWSLETTER FOR APRIL TO JUNE, 2011 ISSUE - 6

Inside this Issue E d i t o r i a l

Editorial 1 The most important development that took had been given the responsibility for provid- place during the quarter was the approval by ing secretarial support to NCSW as per the Talk on Food Security 2 the Cabinet Division of a Bill for establish- NCSW Ordinance 2000, was also devolved Consultation on ing an autonomous National Commission at the end of June. Though this decision had ‘Administrative changes 2 for Women. This was achieved as a conse- been announced more than a year before, after 18th Amendment quence of the seven-year long struggle bureaucratic resistance to the process of waged by the National Commission on the devolution led to the freezing of our account Press Briefing by 3 NCSW’s NIWC Status of Women. It was Justice (R) Majida six weeks before the MoWD was due to be Researche Studies 4 Cabinet approves the bill for establishment of an Meeting with Mr. Raza autonomous national commission for women 4 Rabbani, Minister IPC Razvi who, as Chairperson NCSW first tried Meeting of NCSW Law 4 devolved. This naturally posed serious ad- Committee to introduce amendments in 2004 in the ministrative problems for the Commission, Meeting on Devolution 5 NCSW Ordinance 2000 to make it finan- but nevertheless, program activities were cially and administratively autonomous, as NCSW Board Meeting 5 continued without interruption. The process is the norm with other such of transition is currently un- Focus Group Discussion 5 commissions around the derway, and it is hoped that on Inheritance Law world. Efforts were contin- these problems will be ironed Seminar on '18th ued by her successor, Ms out without much further Amendment: Opportuni- 5 Arifa Syyeda Zehra, and by delay. ties and Challenges Ms Anis Haroon, who took VAW: Case of elderly over as Chairperson in Under its strengthened man- 6 woman March 2009. The present date the Commission will be able to better fulfill it‟s re- Interaction with the government was fully sup- Women’s Parliamentary 6 portive of the Commis- sponsibilities as a watchdog Caucus sion‟s efforts, and twice the body and play its role more Presentation to Afghan Prime Minister Mr. Yusuf effectively in monitoring the 6 Women Parliamentarians Raza Gilani directed that implementation of policies the Commission should be and laws from the women‟s NCSW Celebrates Pro- 7 th vincial Autonomy Day given autonomy, once in perspective. The post 18 March 2010 and again in Amendment scenario poses Advocacy with National/ 2011. Many hurdles had to new challenges. It demands Provincial Leadership/ 7 that the NCSW should main- Policy Makers on be crossed, but finally the tain a close working relationship with Women Issues approval has been given by the Cabinet. Another important development in the coun- women‟s machineries at the provincial and Press Releases 9 try was the completion of the process of local level, and improve coordination and devolution of subjects from the Federal networking with different stakeholders in Staff Inductions 9 Government to the Provinces, as stipulated order to promote the rights of women as th Picture Glimpses 10 by the 18 Constitutional Amendment. The enshrined in the Constitution of and Ministry of Women‟s Development, which committed to in international treaties.

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HIGHLIGHTS OF THE QUARTER

Talk on Food Security

The devastating floods in 2010 had caused much hardship food security and economic development that benefits the and exacerbated poverty in the flood affected areas. In people. addition, the country further had to contend with the un- Najma spoke about the rights of the poor, food security and precedented food inflation that had undermined food secu- peace. She especially focused on the problems being faced rity in the entire region. As is the norm, it is the women by people in the flood affected areas and talked about sim- who are most at risk and most likely to suffer from ill ple, doable measures that can be taken by citizens and gov- health and malnutrition when families do not have enough ernment to meet the food needs of the people on an urgent resources for food and other essentials. While government basis. For those of us in cities she stressed that every person was struggling to rehabilitate the flood affected popula- can play a role in ameliorating the situation by growing tion, it was felt that some attention also needed to be given vegetables and planting fruit trees. Two short documenta- to the role of citizens in these times of hardship. With this ries, produced by Deneb Sumbal were shown to demon- in mind, the National Commission on the Status of strate how food could be grown in small containers if land Women (NCSW) invited Najma Sadeque, a founding was not available. Her talk evoked much interest in partici- member of Shirkatgah, writer and activist, to talk about pants and media representatives.

Consultation on ‘Administrative changes after 18th Amendment in Provincial Key Departments’

A consultative meeting was that perpetu- this study should be used by arranged at the national level ated gender inequality and legislators as a live document on March 29 to discuss the recommendations to reverse drafted in a local framework implementation process the adverse impact of such since it offers guidelines in of 18th Constitutional Amend- policies were discussed. approaching, understanding ment and its implications from a gen- The Secretary, Interpr der perspective. The meet- ing was attended by the ovincial Coordination Ministers for Women‟s Committee gave a Development from Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber comprehensive briefing Pakhtunkhwa and represen- on the impact of the tatives of provincial gov- ernments and civil society. devolution process and roles and responsibilities

of key players at The Secretary, Interprovincial The study specifically fo- and rethinking gender policy in Coordination Committee on cuses on labour, education, the Federal and the immediate time-frame the 18th Amendment, gave a health, social protection, for policy makers and other provincial level as comprehensive briefing on the procedural policies on fam- stakeholders. impact of the devolution proc- ily laws and violence regards women’s rights It was stressed that the study ess and roles and responsibili- against women, and conflict was completed before the pas- and legislation. ties of key players at and security issues. It at- sage of the the Federal and provin- tempts to lo- 18th Amendment and, in view cial level as regards women‟s cate policy concerns that are of the changed situation, ur- rights and legislation. derived from the specific gent consultations with the The meeting also highlighted issues faced by Pakistani relevant policy makers from all the issues concerning the pre- women with a focus on cur- provinces and regions, includ- vailing gender policies and rent problems, rather than ing AJK and FANA, were re- discriminatory practices iden- outlining long-term vision- quired to end the prevalent tified by NCSW‟s detailed ary goals structural research study conducted last for gender equality. gender inequalities and vio- year by Afiya Zia. Policies The NCSW stressed that lence against women.

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Press Briefing by NCSW’s National Implementation Watch Committee on Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act 2010

The National Implementa- sons in the provinces as calling bank officials for a tion Watch Committee specified in the Act. She training program in order to (NIWC) constituted by announced that NIWC expedite compliance. Simi- NCSW met at the NCSW members had decided to larly, in spite of the fact that office on 19th April. The focus on the provinces in the Higher Education Com- NIWC met to review pro- gress on the implementation process of the Sexual Har- assment at Workplace Act. Ms. Salma Each member of the com- mittee discussed problems Qureshi, Additional and shared achievements. The meeting was chaired by Secretary Women’s Ms Anis Haroon, Chairper- Development son NCSW, and conducted by Dr. Fouzia Saeed, Chair- Department person, NIWC. Balochistan, Ms Anis Haroon, Chairper- reported that the text son NCSW, spoke about the of the law and the role of the Commission as a their second year work plan. mission had issued guide- watchdog body that moni- lines for adopting anti sex- Code of Conduct had tors laws, policies and prac- After the meeting a press ual harassment policies, been circulated to all tices to protect and promote briefing was held during universities have not yet got the rights of women. Dr. which Dr. Fouzia Saeed back with information to Ministries. Fouzia Saeed reported that answered queries from me- confirm that committees several cases were being dia representatives. A data- have been formed, or are reported to the committees base that showed the names being formed as required by set up in different organiza- of the companies and or- the anti sexual harassment tions. Mr Sajjad Sipra from ganizations that had com- law. The database will be the Punjab Women‟s Devel- plied with the legislation available on the website opment Department said was distributed. soon. that some initiatives that had been taken in the province The database showed that Participants included Jamil towards implementing the the media, which was quick Yusouf, a well respected law. Salma Qureshi, addi- to conduct accountability of journalist from Karachi, tional secretary Women‟s others, had failed to form Omar Hameed Khan from Development Department committees in their own the PM Secretariat, Balochistan, reported that offices or comply with other Mohammad Waseem from the text of the law and the measures required by the the Interactive Resource Code of Conduct had been law. The Implementation Centre, Mohammad circulated to all Ministries. Watch Committee reported Tehseen from SAP Pk, rep- Musarrat Jabeen, Deputy that only three media chan- resentatives from the Audi- Secretary Women‟s Devel- nels and two newspapers tor General‟s office, Federal opment Department Sindh, had reported setting up a Bureau of Revenue, PTV informed the Committee committee as prescribed by and members of civil soci- that they had even translated the law. Out of over 100 ety. the legislation into Sindhi banks affiliated with the and circulated it among sen- State Bank of Pakistan only ior officials. Dr.Fouzia 26 had complied, and, con- stressed that efforts needed sequently, the Pakistan to be made to expedite the Banking Association was appointment of Ombudsper- sending out reminders and

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Research Studies

3. Police Reporting, Investigation Mechanisms, Po- Four research studies were commissioned during the litical Interference: safety and security/harassment of quarter with support from the Gender Equity Pro- victims from a police perspective. Researchers: Alph gram. These were: Consultants (Mr. Imdad Hussain) 1. Assessment of the Capacities of Women’s Shelters/Crisis Centers and Gender Crime Cells. Re- Development Departments at Provincial Level searcher: Ms. Afiya Zia Researcher: Dr. Riffat Haq 2. Assessment of Disaster Management Institu- Orientation training workshops for research teams were tions and Development of a Gender Responsive organized once the research methodology and research Preparedness Plan. Researcher: Mr. Sohail Man- tools had been finalized by the Research Advisory Com- zoor mittee, and field-work is presently underway.

Meeting with Mr. Raza Rabbani, Minister for Inter Provincial Coordination on 18th Amendment

NCSW Executive Commit- the Commission can be ad- sought on NCSW‟s role after Aksf;laskf;laskdf ;la tee members lead by Chair- ministratively and financially devolution in the post 18th person Anis Haroon met autonomous, as is the norm Amendment scenario and its ksdf ;alskdfj ;alskdfj Mr.Raza Rabbani and with such women‟s commis- future relationship with the briefed him about the sions around the world, and provinces. ;alskdfj ;laskdj amendments required in the as instructed by the Prime f;laksd f;laskd NCSW Ordinance, so that Minister. Clarity was also

Meeting of NCSW’s Law Committee

The meeting of the NCSW Law Com- appeal; the Commission will watch be put forward. mittee, which comprises Justice (R) the process and proceed accordingly. Majida Razvi, Justice (R) Kailash Blasphemy Law Nath Kohli, Ms Hina Jilani, Ms Sadia It was decided that Mumtaz, Chairperson NCSW and work on the Blasphemy members of the Executive Committee, Law would be contin- was held in Islamabad. The following ued while keeping a issues were discussed: low profile with regard to advocacy and lobby- Appeal for larger bench of the Su- ing. preme Court for hearing Mukhta- ran Mai’s review petition

It was decided that NCSW would Citizenship Act Personal Laws of Religious Minori- keep itself informed of the proceed- The Citizenship Act 1951 was re- ties ings; members of the Law Committee, viewed by the Law Committee clause It was decided that the Law Commit- Islamabad based NCSW members by clause along with amendments tee should review the personal laws of would attend the hearings. tabled by Ms. Bushra Gohar both in religious minorities in Pakistan to 2008 and 2010. It was decided that if bring them at par with international Appeal against the Federal Shariat the amendments met with resistance standards, in particular the laws per- Court Judgment on Women’s Pro- in Parliament the Law Committee‟s taining to Inheritance, Divorce, Main- tection Act proposal for a simple amendment to tenance and Guardianship. This work the Citizenship Act to bring it in line will be taken up at the next meeting. The government has already filed an with international procedures could

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Meeting on Devolution

The issue of devolution of subjects Women‟s Development, headed by Standing Committee members were to the provinces under the 18th Ms Bushra Gohar, called a meeting confident that the functions of Constitutional Amendment was to discuss how the devolution of the MoWD could be adequately han- the subject of several consultations Ministry of Women‟s Development dled by the provincial governments, with government representatives, to the provinces would impact the and expressed support for the parliamentarians and members of women‟s rights agenda. NCSW was NCSW‟s efforts to become autono- civil society. The National Assem- invited to offer suggestions and par- mous. bly Standing Committee on ticipate in the discussion. The NCSW’s Board Meeting

The 43rd meeting of the National Since NCSW is composed of mem- would be maintained with provin- Commission on the Status of bers representing all provinces and cial women‟s machineries and legis- Women was held in the office of territories, it was felt that active lators in order to strengthen the Commission on 14th May interaction with the provinces women‟s legal rights, and to moni- 2011. The main item on the should be maintained after devolu- tor application of constitutional agenda was to discuss the role of tion, so that the women‟s rights rights provided for women and ad- NCSW after devolution as per the agenda is not compromised. It was herence to international human 18th Constitutional Amendment. decided that close coordination rights standards.

Focus Group Discussion on Inheritance Law

Awaz Foundation Pakistan con- a study on the same subject in 2006, the findings of the revised research ducted a research study titled it was felt that collaboration with study a policy brief will be devel- „Denial of Women‟s Right of In- Awaz would be useful in furthering oped for policy makers. Data related heritance,‟ and requested NCSW law and policy reform on the issue to violation of women‟s right of to help them further the agenda of of inheritance. Technical assistance inheritance would be regularly col- policy research and advocacy on from legal practitioners would be lected, archived and analyzed to the outcomes and recommenda- sought and a revised and updated disseminate widely through organ- tions. Since NCSW had conducted study will be launched at a national ized forums. conference in Islamabad. Based on

Seminar on '18th Amendment: Opportunities and Chal- lenges for Provinces and Women’

Aurat Foundation organized the lution but were concerned about Sindh Assembly, and also the Ba- seminar on Friday, June 17 in Is- how policy-making, legislation and lochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhaw lamabad in order to share and dis- coordination to ensure uniformity in Assemblies, and it was wrong to cuss various aspects of 18th laws and policies on women‟s rights assume that provincial institutions Amendment with members of civil issues in the country would be af- were not sensitized on women‟s society and media. The topic was, fected. rights. She felt that the confusion 18th Amendment: Opportunities Anis Haroon, in her concluding re- lay in the Federal Capital, because and Challenges for Provinces and marks, disagreed with the under- some vested interests did not want Women. The event was presided standing of some sections of society to transfer power and resources to over by Anis Haroon, Chairperson, and groups that devolution of the the provinces, and the devolution of National Commission on the Ministry of Women‟s Development MoWD would in fact open up new Status of Women (NCSW). (MoWD) would undermine the opportunities for the provinces to Speakers and participants at the women‟s cause. She said that work more effectively for women. seminar, mainly from the civil women‟s rights issues were regu- society, generally supported devo- larly taken up and discussed by the

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VAW: Case of elderly woman publically disgraced by Jirga in Haripur

In a village near Haripur an elderly Jirga had forcibly taken her signa- standers, who did nothing to help woman was disrobed and publically ture on the Khula papers and de- the women, and the village prayer ridiculed by the local panchayat to clared dissolution of the marriage. leader, the maulvi, who had insti- punish her sons. The incident was This meant that the accused preg- gated the local people to commit reported in the media. NCSW took nant woman could not even claim this atrocity, should also be named notice of the case and contacted the her Haq-Mehr. in the FIR and held account- provincial government and police An NCSW delegation lead by Ms. able. Later the delegation also met departments in Haripur. The Com- Anis Haroon met the Commissioner the victim in the Commissioner‟s mission found that in the FIR that Hazara Division and D.I.G Abbot- office and urged him to provide was registered the Jirga, which had tabad to express their grave reserva- complete safety and protection to ruled that if the culprits could not tions regarding the investigation of her and her family. Consequently, be found, their mother should be the case. Hazara Division Commis- the DIG Hazara Dr. Mohammad publically disgraced as a punish- sioner Khalid Khan Umerzai as- Naeem Khan informed the Com- ment, had not been nominated. The sured the delegation that he would mission that the case had been reg- same jirga had given another cruel take personal interest in the matter istered under PPC 354/A, 2010, decision against the pregnant wife and pursue the case. The NCSW 436/437/452,506/109 and 34 of one of the accused. Since her Chairperson stressed that in addi- against all offenders. husband wanted to divorce her, the tion to the jirga members, all by-

Interaction with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus

The Women‟s Parliamentary Cau- with Ms Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Spe- women parliamentarians from ECO cus in the National Assembly is cial Assistant to the Prime Minister and SAARC countries will be in- organizing an International Conven- for the Social Sector and PPP vited as delegates to share experi- tion on Role of Women Parliamen- MNA, and some representatives of ences and highlight challenges. The tarians in Strengthening Democ- women‟s organizations drafted a final date for holding this interna- racy and Social Justice for which comprehensive plan for the confer- tional conference is yet to be de- planning meetings were held at the ence. Federal and provincial cided. NCSW office. The NCSW together women parliamentarians and

Presentation to Afghan Women Parliamentarians

A delegation of Afghan women moting the agenda of women‟s rarely served on decision-making parliamentarians was visiting the rights across the board and ex- bodies or played a meaningful role country and the Women‟s Parlia- pressed their keenness to form a in any peace process. They voiced mentary Caucus invited them to cross party caucus of women parlia- their concern that reconciliation meet Pakistani women parliamen- mentarians in Afghanistan. While with the Taliban could undermine tarians to discuss the situation in the sharing their experiences, the Af- their newly found political rights, two countries and share experi- ghan women delegates said that and said their voice needed to be ences. Chairperson NCSW, Ms. despite impressive gains, women in heard when peace treaties were be- Anis Haroon, was invited to make a Afghanistan were still struggling to ing made to ensure the region‟s presentation on Customary Prac- play a significant role in society and long-term stability. Afghan MP tices Prevalent in Pakistan. The in politics. Although women held Golalei Nur Safi, who belongs to delegates appreciated the role of the 68 seats in the Afghan parliament, the Wolesi Jirga and the High Peace Commission and of Pakistani mainly because of a constitutionally Council, called women an “absolute Women Parliamentarians in pro- mandated reserved quota, women must” in all negotiations.

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NCSW Celebrates Provincial Autonomy Day and approval o f bill for establishment of an autonomous National Commission for Women by Cabinet

NCSW welcomed the successful com- and meaningful role in promoting the to NCSW, the Commission appreci- pletion of the devolution process and women‟s rights agenda. ated the efforts of Senator Raza Rab- formally celebrated the historic The Commission reiterated its solidar- bani, Chairperson of the Implementa- achievement that the people of Paki- ity with the provinces in celebrating tion Committee of the Parliament, in stan had long waited for. It also cele- the day for Provincial Autonomy and the entire process. The Committee brated an important milestone ensured a smooth and transpar- towards achieving autonomy ent transfer of powers, and for the Commission: the ap- thought through the functions of proval by the Cabinet Division each Ministry to ensure a of a new Bill for an independ- smooth transfer to the prov- ent National Women‟s Com- inces. mission, complete with the last NCSW is of the view provinces round of recommendations will be able to legislate on local from the Implementation issues more effectively and in a Commission. The Members timely manner, and be better felt that now the Commission able to address the anti women would be able to operate more customary practices that are effectively and work more smoothly. Anis Haroon said that devolution of prevalent in the country. It looks for- Ms Shehnaz Wazir Ali, MNA, also powers to the provinces would serve ward to working with provincial gov- attended the celebration, and said that to strengthen the Federation and the ernments and providing any technical an autonomous Commission would country. As regards the granting of support that may be required to deal now be able to play a more assertive administrative and financial autonomy with women‟s issues.

Advocacy efforts with National/Provincial Leadership, Policy Planners Regarding Reported Cases of Violence against Women - Letters sent to :

The President of Pakistan on kid- accused of a sexual relationship out- included among the 14 recently ap- napping of woman side marriage. The National Commis- pointed Ministers and Ministers of On March 8, 2011 a prominent busi- sion on the Status of Women urged the State. The Commissioned questioned nesswoman from the minority commu- government of Pakistan to lodge an why the several capable women mem- nity, Ms. Nelofur Abadan, was kid- appeal against the judgment. Conse- bers in the parliament had been ig- napped in Balochistan. The local po- quently, the Ministry of Law on behalf nored? The letters highlighted the lice was unable to trace her and at the of the Government of Pakistan (GoP) contribution and proven capabilities of same time was found to be uncon- filed an appeal in the Supreme Court. women parliamentarians and senators cerned about tracking her where- elected on reserved seats, and urged abouts. The NCSW took strong notice The President and the Prime Minis- the government not to disregard their of this case and wrote a letter to the ter of Pakistan contributions. President of Pakistan Mr. Asif Ali The National Commission on the Zardari to instruct the Government of Status of Women wrote two separate The Commission also stressed that it Balochistan and the law enforcing letters to the President and Prime Min- was high time that the Political Parties agencies in the region to launch an ister expressing concern at the exclu- Act should be reviewed, so that in intensified search operation to recover sion of women parliamentarians from addition to the reserved seats more the kidnapped woman. the Federal Cabinet. In the letter the women members were given tickets Commission appreciated the fact that by their political parties to contest The Prime Minister of Pakistan on the Pakistan People‟s Party had al- elections from general seats. It urged Federal Shariat Court judgment ways supported the cause of women that the system whereby women on The Federal Shariat Court passed a and taken bold steps to improve reserved seats were elected indirectly judgment negating the Women Protec- women‟s status in society, but con- should be changed and reserved seats tion Act 2006 that had softened the veyed it‟s disappointment that there should be filled through direct con- harsh provisions of the Hudood Ordi- were currently only two women in the stituency based elections. nance and provided relief to women Cabinet, and that no woman had been

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Advocacy Efforts: Continued………..

The CM and IG Punjab to Provide Fool- The Nawab Aslam Khan Raisani Chief ity, were not only undermining the au- proof Security to Mukhtaran Mai Minister of Balochistan thority of the formal legal system but A comprehensive Bill on Domestic Vio- also playing with the lives of women and Mukhtaran Mai, the gang victim who lence Against Women was passed unani- violating their constitutional rights. The had bravely stood up against the influential mously by the National Assembly but Commission demanded that the members perpetrators of the crime and challenged them was delayed in the Senate and not ap- of the Jirga must be charged in the FIR, in court, and women across the country were proved within the stipulated 90 day pe- and it should be ensured that no one was shocked when the Supreme Court upheld the riod. Consequently it was sent back to the allowed to go unpunished. It was also appeal of the rapists and exonerated all but National Assembly to be placed before a demanded that the victim and her family, one of the criminals. The National Commis- Mediation Committee. Meanwhile the who were feeling unsafe in their village, sion on the Status of Women was deeply con- 18th Constitutional Amendment was should be provided shelter and security cerned for the safety and security of Mukhta- enacted and powers to legislate were until the culprits were apprehended. ran Mai, as it was anticipated that the ac- devolved to the provinces. Copies of this letter were also sent to the cused, who had been released from jail, would The National Commission on the Status Commissioner Hazara Division and again start threatening and harassing Muk- of Women drew the attention of the Chief Chairperson, Provincial Commission on hrataran and her family. Minister of Balochistan to the pending the Status of Women KPK. In the letters NCSW urgently called upon the Bill and urged him to Punjab Government to fulfill its responsibili- take the lead in enacting a law on domes- The Chief Minister Balochistan ties and take immediate measures to provide tic violence in the Balochistan Assembly. Many cases of violence against women Mukhtaran Mai foolproof security. It urged The Commission stressed that domestic in Balochistan had been reported in the the chief minister and IG Police to deploy a violence against women was widely press and highlighted by different police force outside her home without delay, prevalent in Pakistan, and necessary sources. Through a letter, the Commis- and asked that she should be provided with mechanisms, including protective legisla- sion expressed its strong reservations police escort whenever she travelled. The tion, were urgently needed to protect about the failure of the Balochistan Gov- NCSW also cautioned the Government of women victims of violence and to ensure ernment in handling the situation and Punjab that it would be held responsible if that perpetrators were punished. The urged the CM to take cognizance of the there was any lapse of security and Mukhata- Commission urged the Chief Minister crimes and mobilize the government‟s ran Mai was harmed in any way. and women legislators to take up the resources to tackle the situation. issue on a priority basis. It suggested that The Law Secretary Finance and Deputy the Chief Minister should summon an The CM and IG Punjab in Aisha Mur- Commissioner Gilgit Baltistan urgent session of the Balochistan Assem- der Case bly to enact the legislation. The Chief The NCSW received an application submitted Minister was also provided with a copy The NCSW had received an application by a complainant called Ms Jahan Begum, a of the Domestic Violence Bill and told from a complainant called Ms Farzana retired government employee and Headmis- that NCSW would provide technical as- Bibi D/O Mst. Ghulam Ayesha and Ghu- tress of schools from Danyore, Gilgit Bal- sistance and support to his office to table lam Abbas, and a resident of 63/DP, tistan. According to the application, she had the Bill. Tehsil Yazman, District Bahawalpur. been continuously harassed and humiliated by According to the application, Mst. Ghu- a Treasury Officer, Mr. Ghulam Haider, who The DIG and DPO of Hazara Division lam Ayesha had been brutally beaten to resided in the treasury office at Khazana in Neelor Bala Case death in police custody by Station House Road. She wrote that she had dedicated her Officer (SHO) Mr. Iqbal Janar, of Police life to the promotion of girls‟ education in far The National Commission on the Status Station Marrot, Tehsil Fort Abbas, in flung and isolated places like Danyore, but of Women Pakistan was extremely per- Bahawalnagar. The case study of this whenever she visited the treasury office to turbed at the incident in which an elderly brutal incident revealed that there was a collect her pension, and for her file to be re- woman was publically disgraced and petty dispute that sparked a fight be- viewed, stamped and signed by the said treas- shamed by the local Jirga for no fault of tween two close members of the family. ury officer, she was confronted by uncivil and hers. Before writing the letters to the Ironically, information about internal rude behaviour. The accused was abusive, DIG and DPO, the Commission had vis- brawl reached the said police station used foul language and threw the file in her ited the area on a fact finding mission. after which Mst. Ghulam Ayesha was face. The team led by the Chairperson had met apprehended, brutally beaten and killed the Commissioner, police officials and by the SHO. The NCSW took note of this unwarranted the victim. According to the Commis- The NCSW strongly urged the Chief harassment by a government employee of an sion‟s findings, the Jirga that had given Minister and IG Punjab to take immedi- elderly retired woman, who was obliged to verdict that the woman should be dis- ate notice of the case, and to direct rele- approach him to collect her pension. The robed and paraded in public, had not been vant authorities to initiate proper investi- Commission wrote to the Secretary Finance charged in the FIR and only the main gation and take stern action against the and Deputy Commissioner of GB and culprit and his brothers were directly said SHO. The NCSW also asked both strongly urged them to take immediate notice indicted in the case. The letters were the officers to inform the Commission of the case, initiate proper and fair investiga- written to stress that parallel judicial about the details of the case and action tion and take due action against the offender systems had no jurisdiction and were taken. A response was received and it so that the complainant is not harassed in illegal under the law. The existence of was found out that Ayesha had died of a future. these systems, particularly in rural set- heart attack and not because of police tings, operating without any legal author- beating.

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NCSW Press Releases on: -

A number of press releases were issued for women who had been raped or gang women had been ignored. The Commission by NCSW during the quarter under re- raped to provide. The NCSW together felt that women on reserved seats had been view. with members of the human rights net- particularly marginalized, and their services work IHI strongly recommended that to the cause of women and the nation as well Disciplinary Action by Punjab Uni- women victims of rape or gang rape must as to their parties had remained unacknow- versity against Professor not be pressurized to produce eye wit- ledged, in spite of the fact that several of The National Commission on the Status nesses. It was stressed that it was the duty these women had a lifetime of struggle be- of Women appreciated the disciplinary of the courts to provide justice after deter- hind them, and were known for their capa- action taken by the Punjab University in mining the nature of the crime. bilities and understanding of national issues. dismissing a senior professor who had The press release also said that there was a Considering them to be less worthy merely been proved guilty of sexually harassing need to look at women‟s representation in because they had come on reserved seats was a lecturer of the University. A PhD stu- all institutions concerned with the criminal less than fair. dent was sexually harassed by the ac- justice system. Women‟s lack of represen- cused, Dr. Iftikhar Hussain Baloch, on tation in the lower and upper judiciary was The Commission believed that democracy 15th May, 2010. She was a lecturer at crucially important if women were to get and good governance would be better served the College of Earth & Environmental justice. The Supreme Court judgment had if appointments were based on track record Science, University of Punjab, Lahore. shaken the confidence of women to stand and merit, without a distinction being made The harasser Dr Iftikhar Hussain Ba- up for their rights and was a source of between directly and indirectly elected mem- loch, was a senior professor of Punjab discouragement to survivors of rape and bers. It also emphasized that the Political University. gang rape. The statement concluded by Parties Act needed to be reviewed, so that in saying: “However, we are proud of Muk- addition to the reserved seats more women Verdict in Mukhtaran Mai Case htara Mai, who stood bravely against all members were chosen to contest open elec- The National Commission on the Status intimidation and harassment and has re- tions by their political parties, or alternately, of Women expressed deep shock and fused to buckle under life threats. She has women on reserved seats were directly disappointment at the verdict given by given a message of courage and hope to all elected by the people. the Supreme Court in the appeal in the women victims of Pakistan. We consider Mukhtaran Mai gang rape case and ex- her a role model for the women of Paki- pressed grave concern at the time taken stan.” It also condemned the insensitive Condemning Stoning and Shooting of to issue the judgment. The press release attitude of some sections of print media, Young Girl in Mardan said that the victim was gang raped in who were seen applauding and grinning at According to a report, Muhammad Saeed of 2002 on the direct orders of local the verdict. The owners and editors of Girhoch village in Mardan took his young panchayat, and in 2005 the Chief Justice these media houses were urged to instil a wife, Shazia, to the nearby mountains where of the High Court took suo moto notice sense of responsibility and sensitivity in he stoned her to death, on the pretext of in- of the case. Now, after wasting nine reporters and journalists who cover social creasing domestic differences and disputes. years of the victim‟s time the verdict on issues. The National Commission on the Status of the appeal has been given. Women expressed its horror and shock and The Commission feared that the deci- Exclusion of Women Parliamentarians strongly condemned the incident. sion had further strengthened parallel in Cabinet Formation This gruesome crime was committed at the legal systems in the country and served The text of the letters to the President and behest of a Jirga that recommended this to weaken women‟s confidence in the the Prime Minister expressing NCSW‟s „penalty‟ for the unfortunate young woman, law. The Commission questioned how concern at not including any woman mem- who wanted to live a life of her own choice. only one accused was punished and ber of parliament in the 14 recently ap- NCSW called it “an extreme act of brutality” others acquitted if it was a gang rape. pointed Federal Ministers and Ministers of and urged the authorities not only “to punish This showed that the evidence of State, was also reported by the Press. the culprits who took part in this heinous women victims did not hold any value crime but also the Jirga, since such jirgas are before the law. The NCSW felt that the The reports said that NCSW was con- the main driving force behind many biased, criminal justice system was not pro cerned that there were presently only two brutal and wild decisions against women.” women and was essentially patriarchal women in the Cabinet, both from the PPP. The Commission strongly appealed to the in nature, as impunity in crimes against In the recent appointments, although there government of to show women was the order of the day. were several capable women in parliament a similar commitment in responding to the Women victims were asked to provide from all political parties and studies had crime as shown in the Neelor Bala case. evidence, which was often impossible shown that women legislators had per- formed better than their male colleagues,

New Staff Inductions

Ms.Riffat Inam Butt joined NCSW as Legal Expert. United States. Her work experience spans a period of over She completed her law graduation from Punjab University ten years. Riffat Butt looks forward to working for women‟s Lahore, and obtained her LLM in Human Rights from the empowerment through legal reforms as a member of the National Commission team.

9 of 11 Volume 1 Issue 6 April—June 2011

Picture Glimpses

10 of 11 Volume 1 Issue 6 April—June 2011

WE ARE ON THE WEB: WWW.NCSW.GOV.PK

National commission for women

H.No. 39, Street 56, F/6-4,Islamabad

Phone: 92-51-9224875 Fax: 92-51-9224877 E-mail: [email protected]

Editorial Team:

Mrs. Nasreen Azhar, Member NCSW

Mrs. Tahira Noor, Manager Media & Communication

Mr. M. Khalid Imran, IT Expert

11 of 11 Volume 1 Issue 6 April—June 2011