A national body on women's rights has reached out to Chief Justice Qazi of Pakistan (CJP) Faez Isa, seeking to draw his "urgent attention" towards the plight of women in the country, particularly the violence perpetrated against them.
National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar has written to CJP Isa, raising alarm over violence against women in the country.
As an example, she pointed to the horrifying case of a young woman being sexually assaulted, murdered and then decapitated in the heart of the federal capital a few years ago, 27-year-old Noor Mukaddam.
"Unfortunately, cases such as the deeply disturbing Noor Mukaddam murder case highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive and effective response to address the crisis," Bakhtiar said, adding that the brutality of the case had shocked the nation.
With Noor Mukaddam's birthday falling on October 23, Bakhtiar said that it offers a sombre reminder of the lives lost and others that remain at risk and the larger implications of such cases on the safety and well-being of women across Pakistan.
"The importance of speedy justice cannot be overstated," Bakhtiar said, adding that prompt and transparent legal process "provides victims and their families closure and deter potential perpetrators."
Accountability, she stressed, was key to breaking the cycle of violence against women, and it was something the CJP can influence positively.
"I urge you to use your office to prioritise and expedite cases related to violence against women. Ensuring timely trials and appropriate punishment for the guilty can send a powerful message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated in our society," she said, urging a swift judicial response to contribute significantly to changing the narrative surrounding women's safety in Pakistan.