Quratul Ain Baloch was victim of domestic violence, says Shehla Raza

SUKKUR: Sindh Minister for Women’s Development Shehla Raza has declared Quratul Ain Baloch a victim of domestic violence. Talking to the media at Qasimabad, Hyderabad, at the residence of the deceased victim on Tuesday, Raza said the post-mortem report, initial police investigations and the statement of her children strongly point out that Baloch fell victim to domestic violence. She said that initial investigations proved that the husband of Baloch used to thrash and manhandle her frequently. But despite that, the victim kept bearing the abuse, apprehending that she might lose custody of her children if she complained to the police due to husband’s strong connections. Raza was accompanied by Director Women Development Ashique Hussain Kalhoro, ASP Aleena Rajpar, Incharge Women Complaint Cell Quratul Ain Shah.

Pledging support of the provincial government and that of the Ministry of Women Development to the victim’s family, Shehla Raza said all necessary legal aid would be provided to the victim’s family to ensure a transparent inquiry leads to conviction of the killer. Advising the police, she said they must not ignore the cases of domestic abuse and ensure the culprits are brought to justice. She also instructed the DIGs to play a protective role to address these complaints timely to save lives. The former deputy speaker Sindh PA said the Sindh Assembly has passed a legislation against violence on women and such incidents must serve as an eye-opener to those opposing legislation for protection of women rights. The family of the deceased demanded appointing Siraj Lashari as investigation officer in this case and inclusion of terrorism offences in the FIR.