islamabad: Feminist organization Aurat March has criticized Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her comments on the alleged rape of a student in Lahore. Aurat March Karachi has demanded Maryam to apologize for her comments and resign from the post of CM. The organization has described Maryam’s comments as hateful and anti-women. On Wednesday, Maryam Nawaz, on the issue of anger in the country over the rape of a student in a college campus in Lahore, dismissed it as a rumor spread on social media and fake. According to the report of Dawn, Aurat March has said that CM Maryam has disregarded the safety and dignity of victims of sexual violence. In such a situation, he is not eligible to represent a state. He should leave his post of CM. In the statement on which the Chief Minister is angry, he had said that an incident of rape, which did not exist, was made an issue. Questioning the character of the victim, Maryam had said, ‘I am not only the CM but also represent women. If rape had taken place, immediate action would have been taken.
‘Mariam is increasing patriarchy’
According to Aurat March, the Chief Minister’s statement about the victim girl reinforces patriarchal beliefs. While mentioning rape, misogyny was clearly visible in his statement. The organization said the Chief Minister’s words have promoted a culture of victim blaming, making justice difficult for victims. In such a situation, he should not hold a post like CM.
Last week, news related to the alleged rape of a student in Lahore, Pakistan, went viral on social media. The police then arrested a security guard of the college, who was allegedly involved in the incident. After this arrest, the police tried to solve the case but anger is increasing among the people on the issue of crimes against women.
Angered by this alleged incident of rape, students have mobilized on social media and protested outside various colleges of the city. There was also a clash between the protesters and the police during the protest. Many people have also been injured in different incidents. In view of the protest, all the school-college administration in Punjab has closed for two days on Friday.