Rape and our MPs
Thursday, June 4, 2009
The News International, Pakistan
Thursday, June 04, 2009
The rape allegations against a Punjab MPA who is also an adviser to the chief minister are a reminder of the mindset that leads representatives to think they are above the law. The sordid case also involves the exploitation of a desperate woman trying to have a property dispute resolved. The registration of a case against the MPA is good news. Not so good is the fact that he escaped detention and avoided a medical examination that may have helped establish the charges made. Nevertheless officials at the CM's office have stated no one is above the law. We hope they will now act to prove this and avoid the inevitable efforts that will be made to pull strings and use influence.
Political parties must also do more to ensure representatives prove themselves models in terms of conduct and public dealings. Expectations in this regard must be made clear to them. Indeed they should also be made aware that instances of misconduct or the exploitation of vulnerable persons will simply not be tolerated. There have in the past been cases similar to the one that has come to light now. If the charges made are established as correct, the PML-N must demonstrate that it is ready to set an example and act against the representative. By doing so parties would set in place important traditions and act also to prevent the discrediting of our democracy and of those who form a part of its structures.
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Labels: Morality, MPs, PML(N), Rape, Women's Rights
posted @ 9:57 AM,
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