The 42nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 09, 2018, on the theme of “Right to Dignity of Women in Pakistan”.
The first in-studio guest, Mr. Hamza Jahangir, a lawyer, noted that the constitution of Pakistan – under articles 8 to 28 – clearly describes the fundamental human rights available to the citizens where human dignity vide – Article 14 – is also enshrined as one of the fundamental constitutional provisions. The right to dignity of women is not only covered by the constitution but also secured by the international treaties. However, it is quite unfortunate that we still witness the violation of this right, also through gender discrimination. The respect for women is a prerequisite for peace and progress, and efforts in this regard are needed at the grass root level; beginning at home.
The second guest on show, Mr. Zainuddin Kakar said that the matter of dignity is specifically enshrined in the Medina Charter – much before the western strides – stating that the women are entitled to the right to dignity. Unfortunately, despite the provisions for dignity in the religious as well as the constitutional tenets, these rights are mostly denied in practice.
Mr. Kakar referred to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that describes the fundamental rights available to the humans as global citizens including the right to life, liberty, and equality along with the dignity. While it is the responsibility of the state to ensure and enforce these rights, an equal onus is on the citizens to fulfil their responsibilities. The best way to promote the values of dignity and respect is by education.
The guest on phone, Ms. Khurshid Bano, a women rights activist, stressed that in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we have a good legislation about female rights but the incidents of domestic and gender based violence result from the lack of implementation of these laws. Also because the people are not aware of the services on-offer for their protection as equal citizens. We really need to ensure effective implementation of pro women laws and propagation of the legal services to ensure accessible justice.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.