Renewed Concerns Over Violence Against Women
Karachi Halaat – In a tragic turn of events, six women were brutally murdered in Karachi over the past 48 hours, raising alarm over increasing violence against women in Pakistan. According to Karachi police, the incidents occurred at separate locations, leaving the city in shock.
Four Women Found Dead in Lea Market Area
On Friday night, the bodies of four women were discovered inside an apartment building in the Lea Market area under mysterious circumstances. The women, who were identified as family members, were found with their throats slit and visible signs of physical assault. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Arif Aziz confirmed the details, adding, “We are investigating the case, and further information will be released once the investigation is complete.”
The head of the family, Muhammad Farooq, identified the victims as his wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. Farooq stated, “We have no enmity with anyone and suspect no one. When we returned home, my son used his key to unlock the door, and that’s when we discovered the tragic scene.”
Update:
Karachi police have solved the mystery behind the quadruple murders at an apartment near Lea Market, revealing that the prime suspect, Bilal, confessed to murdering his mother, sister, niece, and sister-in-law. The brutal killings were committed using a sharp object, police stated.
Bilal had recently divorced his wife and accused his sister of having illegitimate relations, adding a troubling context to the tragic events. A case will be lodged following the recording of the suspect’s confessional statement, according to officials.
Earlier, police arrested a father, Muhammad Farooq, and his two sons after the throat-slit bodies of the four women were discovered in separate rooms on the seventh floor of the building in Karachi’s Lyari area. The bodies bore marks of severe torture and were subsequently transported to Civil Hospital Karachi for medico-legal formalities.
Prior to Bilal’s confession, Farooq claimed that he and his sons were not present during the murders and expressed no suspicion regarding who might have committed the act. However, the police have taken them into custody for further questioning.
Pregnant Woman Stabbed to Death in Shah Faisal Colony
In a separate incident, Abdullah, a resident of Shah Faisal Colony, was arrested for allegedly stabbing his pregnant wife, Laiba, to death. The incident occurred on Saturday, with police stating that the couple had frequent disputes since their wedding. “Laiba had been staying with her parents due to ongoing marital issues,” said police officer Abdul Hameed. Karachi Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed Tariq confirmed that the victim was five months pregnant and had a single stab wound to her neck.
Woman Fatally Shot: Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Case
The third incident involved a woman brought to Abbasi Shaheed Hospital with gunshot wounds to her face and head. She was pronounced dead upon arrival. Investigations are underway to identify the victim and the circumstances leading to the shooting.
Rising Violence Against Women in Karachi
These recent incidents highlight the ongoing issue of violence against women in Karachi and across Pakistan. According to the Sindh Suhai Sath Organisation, 165 women were killed in Sindh in 2023, although the actual figure is likely to be higher due to underreporting.
The 2020 report by the Aurat Foundation also revealed over 11,000 cases of violence against women across the country. Mehnaz Rehman, a social scientist and former official of the Aurat Foundation, emphasized the need for urgent gender sensitization in Pakistan. “We need to educate our boys, men, and leaders to act with gender sensitivity and recognize everyone as equal human beings,” she said.
Conclusion
The recent wave of violence against women in Karachi underscores the urgent need for stronger legal frameworks, societal awareness, and support systems to protect women. As the city mourns these tragic losses, authorities must take immediate steps to bring justice to the victims and ensure the safety of women across the country.