The Alliance for Protection of Human Rights (APHR) has condemned the assassination of Punjab woman minister Zill-e-Huma Usman on Tuesday by a fanatic and demanded of the government to give an exemplary punishment to the killer to stop recurrence of such incidents.
In a statement issued to media here on Friday, the alliance comprising Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Aurat Foundation, Khwendo Kor, Shirkat Gah, Sungi Development Foundation, Sustainable Participatory Organisation and Noor Education Trust deplored that the Punjab minister for social welfare was attacked fatally in Gujranwala when she was listening to grievances of common people to have them redressed.
The civil society organisations noted with grave concern that the killer Ghulam Sarwar who was overpowered by the driver of the slain minister and other people on the spot with pistol, had a history of killing women. "The press quoted Gujranwala District Police Officer as having said that the assassin had killed 12 women in the past, but had been acquitted by the court for want of evidence and proof. It is a matter of anguish for every caring citizen of the country how come a serial killer was roaming freely even after taking the lives of so many women," questioned the human rights bodies, saying the killing was against the very fundamentals of Islam that preached love, tolerance, peace and general good.
The APHR members said the killing was a grim reminder that ending discrimination against women and bringing them on a par with men continued to be resisted by self-styled guardians of morality and bigoted elements. Of the grounds (veil and rule by women) cited by the killer for murdering the Punjab minister, the alliance said women in Pakistan had always observed the traditional dress code that was in accordance with the local norms. "The Hijab (Veil) and rule by women cannot be a reason for murdering women," added the press statement.
Criticising the government for the worsening law and order situation in the country, the rights body pointed out that the assassination of a minister had clearly proved that now the high-profile people had become vulnerable, let alone the common people. Referring to the killing of police officials and local government representatives in the recent past in Peshawar, the statement said that the people had been virtually left at the mercy of terrorists.
The alliance asked the government to take the courage and respond to the challenge from the terrorists and bigots by moving boldly against those who were bent on turning Pakistan into an anarchic state.
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