Tribal women call for political participation
Women from the tribal districts on Thursday urged the Federal Government to fulfil its commitments to fulfilling uplift work and maintaining peace in the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) after merging with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and inculcate a conducive environment for women’s political participation.
During their address at the Peshawar Press Club (PPC), civil society activists stated that tribal women are eager to play an active role in local politics, including resolving inter-tribal disputes, grass-roots uplift and awareness initiatives, restoring peace in conflict areas. However, they said they were not afforded the opportunity to participate in decision and policy making.
Case against teacher for torturing students
Aabpara police registered a case against a teacher of the Islamabad College for Boys in G-6 for allegedly torturing seventh graders.
According to the father of one of the victims, on February 17, his son and his friends were chatting during break when one of them whistled. The accused took the boys to his office where he beat them with a belt. The complainant stated that his 13-year-old son was in extreme pain by the time he returned home. He said that he took pictures of the torture marks and sent them to the school’s principle on WhatsApp but received no reply.
On Monday, the complainant lodged a complaint with the Aabpara police to register a case, however the relevant personnel appeared reluctant. He then met the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) who directed the SHO of the Aabpara police station to facilitate the request. A case was registered against the accused teacher under section 328A (cruelty to a child) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
The complainant in the case also said he had issued a complaint against the suspect to the Federal Directorate of Education.
Aurat March Karachi for rights of working women
Organizers of the annual Aurat March rally in Karachi on Thursday provided that this year’s slogan is Ujrat, Tahaffuz Aur Sukoon. Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), organizers told media that the protest on March 8, International Women’s Day, will feature scores of labourers and will be dedicated to working women and transgender people.
Organizers also outlined the March’s three central demands: to provide a minimum living wage to formal and informal workers, provide social security to women and the transgender community involved in care labour, and that the state provide adequate care and safety to minors by establishing protection centers and support services as well as putting an end to child labour.