#JusticeForZainab
It’s not just social media that may or may not have lost sight of what’s important in the Zainab case. When the scandal first broke, the opposition political parties especially the PTI backed by sections of media exploited it for political point scoring. And now not to miss an opportunity to be left out of the game – the PMLN is unashamedly exploiting the deliverance of justice for political mileage.
The ruling party has tabled a resolution before the Punjab Assembly calling for a constitutional amendment to sanction the public stoning to death of child sex abusers. Thankfully there are those in the Senate who have been talking sense, such as calling for consultation with the country’s various legal bodies. A shame, then, that our so-called rational lawmakers didn’t go one step further and actually talk truth to mis-power. After all, this provision has no place in a modern and democratic society.
And even then, those seeking political advantage have got it so very wrong given that the resolution only makes mention of the Pakistani girl child. This is particularly astonishing given how back in 2015 – at the height of the Kasur political-sex scandal – the 280 or so children who were filmed while being sexually assaulted were mostly boys. Back in 2015, then, as now, the Punjab was ruled by the PMLN. Also, then, as now, there were rumours of an organised child pornography crime network. Yet even here the similarities don’t end. Because, then, as now, there was talk of a minster being involved. Just as there were murmurings of a political cover up.
And if, as is presently being alleged, a federal minister hada hand in what happened to seven-year-old Zainab and so many like her – this raises important questions as to the motive behind the provincial government’s rush to howl: off with all their heads. Looking at the broader context, however, the possible passing of this resolution brings with it the real risk that child sex abuse will become the new call to crying blasphemy. Meaning that once on the law books, it may be easily manipulated to level false charges to settle personal scores or to do away with certain minority groups; which, for many, is one and the same thing.
Regarding the JIT probe into the case, we had hoped that no details would be leaked to the media ahead of time. Given that further investigation, is needed- we have to question the irresponsible media persons and the government agencies to be airing conclusive announcements at this juncture.
Yet this is part of the tragedy here in today’s Pakistan. Most state institutions only ever consider playing to the cheap seats when the cameras are rolling. None more so than the politicians themselves; who are forever swooping in to try and actively influence the very democratic process that they will be battling it out for in the summer. This has to end. For the whole country is currently on trial.
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