By 
22-07-2024
Eleonora Bruno
Pakistan Researcher,
Global Human Rights Defence
In a heart-wrenching incident that has gripped Pakistan, the body of 20-year-old Syeda Sania Zehra, a pregnant mother of two, was discovered hanged in her home in Multan. The tragic event has stirred national outrage and ignited a fervent call for justice and systemic change. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed by Zehra’s father at the New Multan police station, citing sections 302 (intentional murder), 148 (rioting armed with a deadly weapon), and 149 (unlawful assembly) of the Pakistan Penal Code. According to the FIR, Zehra, who was five to six months pregnant, was found with signs of severe torture, including a broken jaw and bruised ribs and elbows. The accused, her husband, fled the scene without notifying her family. The victim’s father stated that the suspect had deceived them about his marital status, revealing post-marriage that he was already married. Despite the family filing a case in the family court against the suspect, the case was retracted after Zehra chose to reconcile with him. The FIR further revealed that the husband frequently abused Zehra and pressured her to sell her property.
The gruesome murder has sparked a social media storm, with Pakistani celebrities expressing their anger and demanding justice. Azfar Rehman called for accountability not only for the murderer but also for those responsible for his upbringing. Ushna Shah reflected on her past sympathies for abusers’ families, while Minal Khan expressed shame over the recurrent violence against women. Ahsan Khan emphasised the need for collective action to combat such violence, and Rubya Chaudhry insisted on severe punishments for aggressors to prevent future incidents.
This tragic event underscores the pervasive issue of gender-based violence in Pakistan. While public outrage is essential, it must translate into sustained action and systemic reform. The response from authorities, prompted by the widespread attention, has led to the registration of a murder case and the involvement of high-level officials in the investigation. However, addressing violence against women in Pakistan requires a multifaceted approach. Legal reforms must ensure that perpetrators are held accountable, and police procedures need to be reformed to provide better protection and support for victims. Equally important is societal reform to challenge and change the cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. The outrage following Zehra’s death must not wane. Continuous pressure on the justice system and collective societal efforts are crucial to creating a safer environment for women. The tragic death of Syeda Sania Zehra should serve as a catalyst for enduring change, ensuring that such heinous acts of violence are not repeated.
Sources and further readings:
Images, ‘‘Another Day, Another Daughter’: Celebrities Demand Justice After Young Mother Found Dead in Multan’ (July 13th, 2024) <https://images.dawn.com/news/1192580/another-day-another-daughter-celebrities-demand-justice-after-death-of-young-mother-sania-zehra> [Accessed 22 July 2024].
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