“Unveil the Dark History of Child Abuse and Women Victim”
In Pakistan, the legal response to rape includes severe punishments, with penalties ranging from lengthy imprisonment to the death penalty, especially in cases involving gang rape. Despite these strict laws, the conviction rate remains low, hindered by factors like judicial corruption and political interference.
High-profile cases, such as Mukhtaran Bibi’s, brought international attention to the issue, shedding light on institutionalized challenges and societal attitudes toward victims. Activist groups and advocates have noted police indifference and even state-sanctioned abuses.
With alarming reports of abuse within custody. Although reported cases of rape have gradually declined in recent years, Pakistan has taken additional steps to address these issues, including the establishment of over 1,000 special courts focusing on cases of violence against women—a move welcomed by human rights organizations.
In History
In 1947, when Pakistan became independent, it inherited laws from the British colonial era, including those related to sexual violence. A major shift happened in 1979 under General Zia-ul-Haq with the introduction of the Hudood Ordinances. These laws aimed to align the legal system with Islamic teachings but unfortunately placed a heavy burden on rape victims to prove their cases.
Often leading to their victimization and potential punishment for alleged adultery if they couldn’t meet strict evidence requirements.
Women Protection Bill 2006
In 2006, the Women Protection Bill was introduced as a significant reform to counter the injustices created by the Hudood Ordinances. This bill shifted rape cases back to the Pakistan Penal Code, which lessened the evidentiary burden on victims and protected them from being penalized for coming forward. It marked a crucial advancement in women’s rights and legal protection in Pakistan.
The Criminal Law, 2016
Then, in 2016, the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offense of Rape) Act was enacted, which further strengthened the legal framework regarding rape. This amendment aimed to streamline the investigation and prosecution processes, introduced harsher penalties for offenders, allowed DNA evidence to be used in trials, and provided better support for victims throughout the legal proceedings. Overall, these changes signify a positive movement towards recognizing and safeguarding women’s rights in Pakistan, although the implementation of these laws still faces challenges.
Cases in 2000
Since 2000, many women and young girls have started to speak out after being sexually assaulted. They are challenging the tradition that women should suffer in silence. They have reached out to news outlets and politicians for support. A report from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan indicated that in 2009, 46 percent of unlawful female killings in Pakistan were “honour killings.”
In 2002
In 2002, Mukhtaran Bibi, a 30-year-old woman, was gang-raped by a group of men on the orders of a village council as an “honour rape.” This was due to allegations that her 12-year-old brother had sexual relations with a woman from a higher caste. Instead of following the custom that expected her to commit suicide after such an event, Mukhtaran chose to speak out and pursue justice. Her case received attention from both local and international media.
On September 1, 2002, an anti-terrorism court sentenced six men, including the four rapists, to death for their crimes.
In 2005
However, in 2005, the Lahore High Court acquitted five of the six convicted men due to “insufficient evidence,” and the punishment for the sixth was reduced to life imprisonment. Mukhtaran and the government appealed this decision, leading the Supreme Court to suspend the acquittal and hold hearings for the appeal.
In 2011, the Supreme Court ultimately acquitted the accused men. Mukhtaran Bibi’s story was featured in a Showtime documentary titled “Shame,” directed by Mohammed Naqvi, which received several awards, including a Special Emmy from the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
Faisalabad case
A 23-year-old woman in Faisalabad publicly accused the police of wrongdoing after her husband was arrested for creating forged documents. She claims that she was raped on the orders of the police chief as a consequence of her actions. While the officer was suspended, he was not arrested.
Kainat Soomro case
Kainat Soomro, a schoolgirl at just 13 years old, was kidnapped and gang-raped for four days. Her fight for justice led to the murder of her brother, a death sentence imposed by village elders, and ongoing threats from her rapists, who remain free after four years.
In 2012
In 2012, three members of the Border Police were taken into custody for raping five women aged between fifteen and twenty-one. The women reported that they were taken from a picnic area to a police station in Dera Ghazi Khan, where the officers filmed themselves assaulting them.
In January 2014
In January 2014, a village council in the same Muzaffargarh district where Mukhtaran Bibi’s case occurred in 2002 ordered a gang-rape. Later that year, on June 19, a 21-year-old woman was gang-raped and murdered in Layyah district, Punjab province.
In September 2014
In September 2014, three sons of Mian Farooq, a parliamentarian from Faisalabad, were accused of abducting and gang-raping a teenage girl. However, they were eventually released by the court.
In September 2020
In September 2020, an incident occurred in Gujranwala: A woman was traveling with her two young children (a toddler and a 4-year-old) when her car stalled due to a fuel shortage.
This incident took place on a secluded section of the M-11 Lahore-Sialkot Motorway shortly after she crossed Lahore’s toll plaza. The woman reported her situation to her relatives and the Motorway Police, who informed her that the area was not under their jurisdiction.
She also called the local police and waited for help, but before any assistance arrived, one of the rapists, Abid Ali, a known criminal, spotted her car. Abid Ali, along with his accomplice, forcibly broke the car windows and dragged the terrified woman and her children out.
This incident highlights the need for improved safety measures and protection for women and children.
In July 2017
In July 2017, a panchayat in Multan ordered the rape of a 16-year-old girl as punishment for her brother’s actions. Later, in December 2017, a 25 year-old woman was gang-raped by four robbers during a break-in at her home in Multan.
In January 2018
In January 2018, a tragic incident occurred when a seven-year-old girl named Zainab Ansari was raped and strangled to death in Kasur, sparking nationwide outrage in Pakistan.
• That same month, another 16-year-old girl was raped and murdered in Sargodha.
•While a day later, a 13-year-old boy was drugged and sexually assaulted by two men from a powerful family in the same city.
• On the same day in Faisalabad, a 15-year-old boy was found dead, with later medical reports confirming he had been sexually assaulted.
•A few days later, the body of a 3-year-old girl named Asma was discovered in Mardan after she had been missing for 24 hours. Her postmortem revealed that she had been raped before her murder. These heartbreaking events led to increased activism in Pakistan’s women’s rights movements, including the ‘Me Too movement’ and Aurat March.
On August 14,2021
On August 14, 2021, during Pakistan’s 74th Independence Day celebrations at the national monument of Minar-e-Pakistan, a young female YouTuber was surrounded and molested by a mob of approximately 400 men. Videos of the incident went viral, showing the crowd throwing her in the air, dragging her, and tearing her clothes. The victim recounted that the mob picked her up and tossed her around, stating, “I was stripped and my clothes were torn apart.” She also reported that her gold jewelry, cash amounting to PKR 150,000, and her mobile phone were stolen during the chaos. The police confirmed that a First Information Report (FIR) had been filed regarding the incident.
On October 11,2024
On October 11, 2024, a 17 year-old student at Punjab College in Lahore was reportedly raped by the security guard of the college.
Types of Rape and NGO(1992-2008)
Types of rape in Pakistan highlight a serious and troubling issue within society. The NGO War Against Rape (WAR) has documented the extent of the problem, revealing a pattern of police indifference towards reported cases. In a report from 1992, it was noted that out of 60 reported rape cases, 20% involved police officers, indicating a disturbing level of complicity. Furthermore, in 2008, members of WAR faced assault from a religious group while trying to assist a gang rape victim in identifying her attackers.
Human Rights Watch has reported alarming statistics, stating that a rape occurs every two hours and a gang rape every hour in Pakistan. Additionally, 70-90% of women experience some form of domestic violence. Shahla Haeri, a women’s studies professor, describes the situation as “often institutionalized” with the state providing tacit or explicit approval. A study by Asma Jahangir revealed that around 72% of female detainees in Punjab reported experiencing sexual abuse while in custody.
A particularly alarming aspect of this issue is the prevalence of rape by family members. According to WAR, over 82% of rapists are relatives, including fathers, brothers, and uncles. Many cases only come to light when victims seek medical help due to pregnancy, as mothers often refrain from reporting these crimes to the police. This highlights the urgent need for societal change and stronger protective measures for women and girls in Pakistan.
Child Sexual Abuse
Child sexual abuse is a significant issue in Pakistani schools. A study conducted in Rawalpindi and Islamabad found that 17% of a sample of 300 children reported having experienced abuse.
• In 1997, it was noted that one child was reported as raped, gang raped, or kidnapped for sexual purposes every day.
• In September 2014, a documentary titled “Pakistan’s Hidden Shame,” directed by Mohammed Naqvi and produced by Jamie Doran, aired on British Channel 4. This documentary specifically focused on the sexual abuse of street children, revealing that around 90% of these vulnerable children have been victims of sexual abuse.
One disturbing practice in parts of northwestern Pakistan is known as bacha bazi, where older men sexually exploit adolescent boys.
Although Pakistan has laws aimed at protecting children and prohibiting homosexuality, these laws are seldom enforced, and bacha bazi is often defended as a cultural tradition.
The NGO Reports
The NGO Sahil reported a total of 3,832 cases of child abuse in 2018, which marked an 11% increase from the 3,445 cases reported in 2017. Most of these incidents occurred in Punjab province, with the fewest cases reported in Gilgit Baltistan. Notably, about 72% of the reported cases were from rural areas, while 28% were from urban settings.
According Quran and Hazrat Muhammad saww
It is a grave issue that goes against the teachings of Islam as outlined in the Quran and the sayings of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). The Quran emphasizes the protection of the vulnerable, including children, and condemns any form of injustice or harm.
In Surah Al Isra (17:31), it is stated, “And do not kill your children for fear of poverty; We provide for them and for you. Surely, killing them is a great sin.”
This verse highlights the sanctity of life and the responsibility to protect children.
Furthermore,
Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) taught compassion and care for children, stating, “He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young ones.”
This saying underscores the importance of nurturing and safeguarding children rather than exploiting or harming them.
Conclusion
Islam encourages communities to come together to protect those who are vulnerable. Ensuring that children are raised in a safe and loving environment. In addressing the issue of child sexual abuse, it is essential for society to implement strict measures against abusers, promote awareness about children’s rights.
Foster an environment where children feel safe to speak out. By adhering to the principles of justice, compassion, and protection found in the Quran and the teachings of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW), we can work towards eradicating this heinous crime and ensuring the safety and well-being of all children.
The protection of women in society, particularly within the context of Islamic teachings, is of utmost importance. The practice of pardah, or modesty, is not just a cultural norm but a significant aspect of Islamic identity that helps safeguard women from unwanted attention and potential harm. By adhering to these principles, women can create boundaries that promote respect and dignity.
Unfortunately, when these guidelines are not followed, some women may face severe consequences, including harassment and violence. It is essential to foster an environment where Islamic values are respected, ensuring that women feel safe and protected in their communities. Promoting awareness and understanding of these teachings can help mitigate the risks women face and empower them to navigate their lives with confidence and security.
References
- Jump up to:a b c “Protection of Women (Criminal Laws Amendment) Act, 2006”. pakistani.org. 1 December 2006. Archived from the original on 22 November 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
- Jump up to:a b c “Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offense of Rape) Act 2016”. The Punjab Commission on Status of Women. Retrieved 4 August 2020.
- Jump up to:a b “Pakistan senate backs rape bill”. BBC News. 23 November 2006. Retrieved 6 January 2007.
- Jump up to:a b “DNA test report of rape case accused matches”. Pakistan Observer. 26 January 2020.
- Jump up to:a b “Zainab rape case: Prime suspect arrested in Pakistan’s Punjab province”. New Indian Express. 23 January 2018. Archived from the original on 25 January 2018.
Police have carried out DNA test of more than 1,000 suspects.
- Jump up to:a b Laird, Kathleen Fenner (2008). Whose Islam? Pakistani Women’s Political Action Groups Speak Out. p. 101. ISBN 978-0-549-46556-0.
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