The Sindh High Court has observed that the issues of gender-based violence and societal oppression demand continued attention and action from both the legal system and society as a whole.
A single-judge bench of the SHC headed by Justice Sana Akram Minhas also deplored that women were facing violence and persecution specially when they exercised their right of free-will in choosing their husband.
The bench made these observations while disposing of a petition filed by a woman seeking protection after contracting a free-will marriage. The court was informed that the petitioner (the woman) had already been murdered by her uncle.
Citing home department, provincial police officer and others as respondents, Ms Shehzadi, who hailed from Jamshoro, had filed a petition at the SHC Karachi in May last year against harassment and sought protection.
Judge stresses need for societal and legal action against gender-based violence
The bench in its order noted that the petitioner, who as per the petition was said to be a 14-year-old minor, had sought protection and the same was promptly granted by the SHC on the very first date and jurisdiction was entertained at the principal seat despite it vesting in the circuit court of Hyderabad.
