Frailty, Thy Name is Woman
(Oppressed Story of Chitrali Girl)

We are very sad after reading the painful and conscience awaking story written by Sardar Ahamad. The story reminds the
conditions of women of the ignorant Arabs before the advent of Islam. We are thankful to the editor of Chitral Times and the writer for bringing to the notice of the public the atrocities faced by the unfortunate Shamshad, the daughter of Chitral. The passing of the Women Protection Bill, on November 15, was trumpeted as a historic day for the women of Pakistan and was celebrated by them as a victory of justice. A number of bills and laws relating to women have already been passed and promulgated, but unfortunately no implementation has been made as yet. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure the implementation of laws and to protect the basic rights of the women, as the writer has quoted the US government�s action against the Saudi princess. The unfortunate incident in Islamabad after passing the Women Protection Bill, is a challenge to the President and the government of Pakistan. If women�s basic rights in Islamabad are not secured, how can the government claim to protect their rights in rural areas?
Pakistan is an Islamic country. Islam has given women equal rights to men. To treat the women inhumanly is against the teachings and principles of Islam. Pakistan's founding father, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, said in a speech in 1944: �No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you; we are victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut up within the four walls of the houses as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live�. Promoting and protecting women�s rights is the duty of every member of civilized society. The realization of women's rights should be a global struggle based on universal human rights and the rule of law. It requires all of us to unite in solidarity to end traditions, practices, and laws that harm women. It is a fight for freedom and human dignity.
Being one of the Chitrali brothers of Miss Shamhad, I appeal to the President of Pakistan to direct the concerned department to take serious action against the so called Shahzada of Lotkoh, Chitral.
I also appeal the Ministry of women Division, Aurat Foundation, All Pakistan Women�s Association, Women�s Action Forum (WAF), Human Rights Commission, etc. to help the aggrieved girl to provide her justice. The MNA and Nazim Chitral are also requested to play their role to help the girl.

Tanveer Ali
Islamabad