The hashtag “KhadijaTheFighter” trended on twitter recently in light of her hearing at the Court wherein the victim was able to record her statements against Shah Hussain who had been accused of attacking Khadija and her, now, 7 year old sister a year ago.
Despite the incident having taken place over a year ago, Khadija still hasn’t been able to receive justice. The presence of activists both on social media and on the ground with Khadija in court, started a campaign in her name that dates back to over a year ago, one which may be the sole reason the case was picked up by the Judicial Magistrate recently.
The campaign was rekindled today when Khadija and her younger sisters’ statements were recorded in court. Unfortunately, the legal team backing the accused in court subjected Khadija to character assassination. Nevertheless, Khadija stood strong.
As defense counsel asked personal questions to #Khadija they had around 15 goons sitting in Court just to laugh at her but she is a fighter
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) July 13, 2017
Khadija did not back down from being cross examined by a vile disgusting excuse of a lawyer. She stood her ground #KhadijaTheFighter
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) July 13, 2017
An image was shared on twitter which contextualised and criticized the fact that despite Khadija’s strong case justice was denied.
#KhadijaTheFighter
Guys grab your keyboards and start trending now pic.twitter.com/xl9IDfrxgR— Naiha Wasim (@insafgirls) July 13, 2017
Young lawyers also came to her support on the ground.
Team Khadija – we will find the blackmailers the mafia and the criminals. No compromise. Will fight till the end #KhadijaTheFighter pic.twitter.com/5TCo73vrLX
— Hassan Niazi (@HniaziISF) July 13, 2017
Khadija’s lawyer shared his disgust at the attempted character assassination in court when he called out the accused for leaking personal information including pictures of Khadija to news outlets after they were exhibited in court.
Given the way the case was handled in court, it can be argued that Khadija falls prey to systemic patriarchal conditions which have become inherent of the justice system in Pakistan.
When nothing is working out for the Defence Counsel they are playing the “Ghairat” card but #Khadija will not bow down to these norms
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) July 13, 2017
#Khadija isnt just taking on a broken criminal justice system but also patriarchal traditions which define the role of women in our society
— M. Jibran Nasir (@MJibranNasir) July 13, 2017
Her representative on her facebook account also shared their take on the case, which was subsequently picked up by activists on social media.
It is hoped that Khadija’s case sets a precedent that justice still prevails in the country and attempted “Dirty Games” played by the accused lawyers, as stated by Khadija’s lawyer, are no longer legitimate in court especially when facing sheer evidence.
#KhadijaTheFighter pic.twitter.com/jqOhrI65sZ
— Jehanzeb Cheema (@JehanzebCheema) July 13, 2017
