Regrettably, millions of women throughout Pakistan live in conditions of abject deprivation of, and attacks against, their fundamental human rights for no other reason than that they are women. Women in upper Sindh districts, the districts bordering with Balochistan and Seraiki belt, are the worst victims. So far, nothing concrete has been done to ameliorate the plight of women who are the victims of violence and discrimination. In the past, a few cosmetic measures have been taken only to attract the attention of international donors. Had the past successive governments made genuine efforts the plight of women would have reasonably improved and young girls would not have been slaughtered as one was done last week in Jacobabad who married against the will of their callous parents.
In the prevalent disappointing situation for women it is suggested that the problem should be tackled radically. We need to open to women new avenues of culture and social service and ample opportunities for public life. We need more changes in our culture to stop discrimination against women. Above all, we must work together to change this cultural attitude against women in Pakistan today.
HASHIM ABRO
Islamabad
