Since I first learnt of the Pakistani young girl Zainab’s rape and murder, not only am I am enraged at the heinous crime but also angry that these kind of crimes are on an increase in our country. Absolutely nothing is being done to acknowledge that this problem exists. How many more Zainabs will it take for the Pakistani authorities concerned to accept, confront and deal with the issue?
Yes, it is commendable that people have come out on the streets to demonstrate and demand justice for the dead girl, but, there’s more to be done.
The discriminatory laws prevalent have to undergo a drastic change. New laws have to be made and swiftly and strictly implemented against these and all kinds of abuse, domestic and sexual abuse of women and honour killings. Those responsible should be apprehended as soon as possible and meted out the harshest punishment publicly as a deterrent to others involved in such barbaric activities who roam without fear or retribution.
An earnest effort must be made, to begin an awareness campaign to educate and change the mindset of people. Places that are breeding grounds for such crimes and criminals must be abolished. Clergy and those teaching and imparting thoughts and ideas that is alien to real Islam and the Quran have to be curtailed.
From the evidence present so far on the CCTV footage, shows Zainab walking with a man without any signs of resistance, that proves that she knew the person, trusted him. Those who were her caregivers during her parents absence from the country must also be held responsible.
There are so many children abused on a daily basis with no one to turn to for help and suffer in silence.
Children must be taught early about “stranger danger” and speak out against any untoward incident inflicted on them. Schools should introduce, through story-telling and enactment, the dangers that lurk within the four walls of their homes and outside especially by those they trust the most.
Parents should be vigilant at all times. They should spend time with their children and discuss these topics and listen to them instead of turning a deaf ear. Most of those who commit such crimes are themselves the victims of abuse and neglect. I call for an awakening in Pakistan. I wish that those responsible should be tried and sentenced to death by hanging in a public place immediately. Only when the perpetrator draws his last breath hanging with a noose round his neck, watched by the entire country will little Zainab in heaven and her family be able to find peace and closure.
- The reader is based in Pakistan
