KARACHI, Sept 1: A noisy protest was staged outside the Karachi Press Club on Monday by emotionally charged activists of various political and social groups against the recent burying alive of five female members of a tribe in Balochistan.

Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against honour killings and Senator Israrullah Zehri’s remarks to defend the act in the name “Baloch traditions”, the protesters criticised acting Senate Chairman Jan Mohammad Jamali for not allowing a woman Senator to take up the issue on the floor of the house.

Co-chairman of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Iqbal Haider condemned Senator Zehri’s remarks, and said: “Both Senator Zehri and Senator Jamali have violated the Constitution by supporting the women’s killing,” he said, and demanded immediate arrest of those involved in the killing.

He urged all presidential candidates to publicly condemn this barbaric incident, and said that the two senators should not be allowed to cast their votes in the presidential election for defending the murders.

“Under Article 4 of the Constitution, everybody is entitled to equal treatment… the Constitution protects the life and property of citizens… other articles prohibit illegal arrests, violation of human dignity and discrimination of all sorts. Instead of protecting the Constitution, the senators chose to protect the customs, hence they have violated the oath of office and, thus, stand disqualified,” said Mr Haider.

He regretted that while Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani visited Balochistan a couple of days back but did not utter a single word on the issue.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...