Concern expressed over rise in crime against women
KARACHI, August 03 2005: The Madadgaar Database Cell reports that until the end of July, there has been a swelling rise in reports that women received burn injuries. This statistic comes despite government claims that legislation to end violence against women is under way and failure of the government to implement its pledge made in front of the international community to protect the rights of women. This was stated by President of Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid (LHRLA), Zia Ahmed Awan in a press release issued on August 3.
Out of the total reported cases: 2 were from Balochistan, 5 from the NWFP and 50 each from Punjab and Sindh. Karachi and Lahore were the leading cities with 46 and 26 cases reported respectively.
From the total: 70 women were married and 2 single; while the marital status of the remaining 35 was withheld.
Regarding the nature of injuries: 37 suffered third degree burns; 46 suffered second degree burns; 4 were disfigured due to acid burns and 23 had been reportedly doused with inflammable liquid and set on fire. In a total of 62 cases, the women were, as reported by the relatives, near the stove when they received burn injuries. Gas cylinder explosions and standing too close to the stove were reported to have fatally burnt another 13 women. Also, 34 cases stated that clothings worn by the victim had caught on fire culminating into their injuries.
Cases where the alleged offenders have been identified: 19 include either the husband or a combination of husband/in-laws, while 11 cases identified the victim’s in-laws as the sole culprits. FIRs have reportedly been lodged in only 30 of these cases.
Similarly, Zia said that in Karachi there are only three government hospitals that treat burn cases: Civil Hospital, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital and NICVD. However, in Islamabad, there is no public burn unit and consequently the requisite treatment is treated by private institutions, he said.
He urged the government to address the issue of violence against women and to take all necessary action to ensure that their safety is a national priority.
Source: The News
Date:8/3/2005
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