IslamabadLandmark law

This refers to the news report, ‘Beating, stalking, being rude to women declared a crime’ (February 25). When the Punjab Assembly was deliberating the ‘Protection of Women Against Violence Bill-2015, TV news reports were continuously informing their viewers about the routine domestic violence and abuse against women all across the country. If these were not good enough to prove the necessity of such a landmark bill, angry statements from some sections of society have ensured that this law is affecting those who generally hid behind falsified traditions to justify this crime.

As we celebrate the incoming changes to penal codes to protect women from domestic and other forms of violence, we should recognise that our society is led by a clergy that considers violence against women the right of men. Unless this mindset is changed, a perpetual cycle of violence against women will continue. As we congratulate the Punjab Assembly on such a remarkable move, we look forward to the National Assembly and provincial assemblies passing similar laws. This is not the problem of one province only.

Masood Khan

Jubail

Saudi Arabia