Political Sustainability, Media Freedom and Women Re: # 6

Dear Mr Teshah,

I would like to bring to your notice the fact that my article deals not with the dynamics of the Mukhtaran Mai episode, but merely the government`s decision to restrict her travel in the name of national interest.

However, since you have brought up the issue anyway, let me clear some misconceptions that you seem to have regarding the case.

1. The alleged `dishonour` of the girl of the Mastoi tribe by Mai`s brother was reportedly a mere tryst.

2. Regardless of the penchayat`s ruling and the numerous versions thereof, the simple fact is that the jirga system is not a legitimate judicial system in Pakistan, and has no authority whatsoever to play judge and executioner over the lives of the citizens of the State. This in itself is a blatant violation, and a slap in the face for jingoists who still view this case as ``blown out of proportion``.

3. In re your assertion about the fatwa on rape and the subsequent reference to the Imrana Illahi issue in Muzaffarnagar, India in June 2005; neither the Darul Uloom Deoband nor the All India Muslim Personal Law Board ever made any such official declarations. This verdict was handed down by a tribal penchayat (again a parallel, illegal judicial structure) comprising quasi-illiterates, and has no weight attached to it. It was merely a case of bad reporting on part of the Indian press.


While one must admit that the present is a difficult time for Muslims the world over, it is heartrending to see educated men turn a blind eye to injustice for the preservation of infantile illusions.