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May 13, 2021 Share
Pakistani feminists say they are determined to fight blasphemy charges filed in mid-April by militant Islamic groups opposed to their International Women’s Day rallies held on March 8.
They rejected as “totally false” blasphemy allegations based on the social media postings of their rallies.
“We’ve seen a weaponization of blasphemy increase,” said Farieha Aziz of the Karachi-based Women’s Action Forum. “There’s a pattern since 2017 of using it against dissidents in particular.”
Until recently, Aziz said, social dissidents were labeled “anti-state” and “anti-Islamic,” with the blasphemy charges taking opposition to a whole new level.
Right-wing position
“We have spent our childhood and youth in these houses,” said Abid Asghar, a leader of the Gujjar Nala affectees. White Star/File
KARACHI: A human chain was formed alongside the Gujjar Nala, from Liaquatabad Daak Khana to the Khamosh Colony graveyard under the banner of the Awami Workers Party, Women Democratic Front and Progressive Students Federation on Saturday.
The demonstration was organised by the victims of illegal evictions in the Gujjar Nala and Orangi Nala areas, as well as the K-Electric Labour Union, SSGC Insaf Jafakash Union, and Progressive Trade Union Federation.
A large number of Karachi citizens, including women and children, participated in the protest and chanted slogans against the federal and provincial governments.
Pakistan: Women s rights activists face new allegations of blasphemy-546389 daily-sun.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from daily-sun.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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Pakistan rights campaigners have accused Prime Minister Imran Khan of baffling ignorance after the former playboy cricketer blamed how women dress for a rise in rape cases.
In a weekend interview on live television, the Oxford-educated Mr Khan said an increase in rapes indicated the consequences in any society where vulgarity is on the rise . The incidents of rape of women. (have) actually very rapidly increased in society, he said.
He advised women to cover up to prevent temptation. This entire concept of purdah is to avoid temptation, not everyone has the willpower to avoid it, he said, using a term that can refer to modest dress or the segregation of the sexes.