KARACHI: Civil society members along with activists of the Karachi Youth Forum (KYF), Awami Raaj Tahreek (ART), Sindh United Party (SUP), Jeay Sindh Qaumi Muhaz Bashir Group (JSQM-B) on Tuesday held a protest demonstration outside the Karachi Press Club (KPC) against the murder of a girl in Khairpur district.
Carrying placards, banners and portraits of a 14-year-old girl Rimsha Wassan, who was killed by alleged honour, they chanted slogans against feudal lords of the area.
The protest was led by Saad Memon of KYF, Arshad Bhan, Sarang Joyo, Gul Hassan Lakho and was joined by Illahi Bux Bikak of JSQM-B, Khalil Chandio of Sindhi Adabi Sangat and veteran actor Hyder Qadir.
Speaking on the occasion, Saad Memon said that Rimsha Wassan was gunned down in front of her mother at her home by accused Zulfiqar Wassan who is said to be a frontman of former minister Manzoor Wassan. He regretted that the accused is yet to be arrested as he is being protected by the ruling party.
He appealed to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), Sindh High Court (SHC) chief justice and Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP) to order action against the accused.
Sarang Joyo said that everyday girls are being killed in the name of so-called honour but the government is doing nothing against feudal lords who conduct honour jirgas in their areas.
He said that the opposition in Sindh Assembly was not allowed to bring a condemnation resolution against the murder of Wassan because the culprits are close to the ruling party.
“Being artist I am very sensitive and when I saw pictures of the killed girl, Rimsha, I was shocked,” said Hyder Qadri while adding that such murders are very horrific and society should resist against honour killing.
Ramsha was from a poor family in Haji Nawab Wassan Village and wanted to marry a boy from another village. This exercise of free will allegedly went against the “rules”, resulting in her cole blooded murder.