Rape culture

In Pakistan, between 10 and 15 children are sexually abused every day. Also, at least 11 rape cases are reported every day. This serious problem calls for immediate and effective steps by the authorities. Many independent observers are of the view that the actual number of rape and child sexual abuse cases is much higher than reported. It is true – and scary – that an enormous number of such cases go unreported. PM Khan once again linked rape to how women dress. The reason why the country has a rapidly increasing number of rape crimes is that we still don’t have strict punishments for this crime. Also, even the rapists know that the law enforcement agencies will show a lax attitude when it comes to catching them. Victims often remain quiet because they don’t want to deal with torturous investigation processes.

Sometimes, victims are silenced through monetary compensation, allowing criminals to get off scot-free. Our country is not safe for women. The authorities need to introduce strict policies to deal with this problem on an urgent basis.

Sajjad Khattak

Attock

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The statement given by the prime minister in which he linked rape to how women dress has invited a lot of criticism in Pakistan. Blaming women for rape cases is a classic example of male chauvinism. Such statements, especially when they are given by the head of state, suggest that the government is unable to find any solution to put an end to such cases and that instead of dismantling misogyny, it is fostering it.

The PTI-led government must take strict measures for women’s safety and protection.

Sadam Hussain Ogahi

Islamabad

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Our prime minister genuinely thinks that women’s clothes contribute to rape. This problematic view needs to be called out. However, we have seen how PTI lawmakers have tried to put the blame on people for misinterpreting the PM’s statement. If what the PM has said is the PTI’s official line, it is concerning. We are talking about a country where a four-year-old girl was raped in KP and a seven-year-old girl was raped in Lahore. These girls weren’t wearing ‘very few clothes’. They were children who were brutally abused by men who have no control over themselves. Those men should be called out. How can the PM make such an irresponsible statement?

For how long will we live in denial? Rape cases will not decline on their own. The government needs to deal with it, and for that, it needs to identify the actual root causes of this heinous crime. We can only hope that the prime minister will try to understand why such statements are irresponsible and must be avoided.

Asmat Sarwat

Karachi