Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) National Organiser Shah Mahmood Qureshi perturbed by the rape of a 15-year-old girl has urged the government to provide speedy justice to the victim and her family
Speaking at a meeting held in Islamabad, Qureshi stated that the heinous gang rape of the girl in Lahore is a failure of the state authorities to effectively offer protection to vulnerable women across Pakistan.
Furthermore, he was of the strong view that rape is one of the worst forms of criminal offences which impacts deeply upon the sanctity of a woman, both physical and spiritual.
It is both concerning and damaging that despite the existence of legal framework and the fact that rape in itself is a serious crime punishable by death incompetent law enforcement mechanisms have made the perpetrators to operate with complete impunity.
Quoting statistics from the official website of Punjab police he said that according to figures released by the Punjab police there were 2,766 registered cases of rape and gang rape in Punjab alone. However, the conviction rate remains at an alarmingly & critically low level.
He vowed to take up the matter in NA and stated that as a member of parliament & deputy parliamentary leader of PTI, he on behalf of the party vociferously raised the issue in NA and promised work in collaboration with activists, civil society and other pertinent organisations to bring the issue of rape within the realm of state priority issues.
He added, “As fathers, husbands and brothers we have a moral obligation and duty to raise our voice and relentlessly pursue this cause, to prevent the severe injustice affecting the women of our country.”