Sometimes, it is clearer when survivors or when their family members speak, hear their voice, hear their plea... "WE STAND UNITED AGAINST ACID CRIME FOR ALL SURVIVORS I am compelled once again to write in our defense and in the defense of this campaign that we had to start in our quest for justice. This web page has been, over time, receiving many messages asking for the “real” story. Honestly, I find it quite irrelevant to have to go over the same details over and over, but for the benefit of those who choose to comment, rather than read, I will once again delve into the subject! I would like to begin by saying that we are not sitting on this forum trying to portray a sorry story. As a matter of fact, I would like to clarify that we as a family do not look upon Murad as a victim, but a SURVIVOR. Our fight is one for JUSTICE and we do not plan to stop till we attain our goal. Our family is still suffering from the trauma that began on January 23rd, 2013. This attack on Murad’s life has had an effect on many fronts ranging from social, personal to professional aspects of our existence. The only story here is that my husband, Mr. Murad Amir Shah, and the perpetrator, Ms. Samar Pervez knew one another back in their university days, before our marriage. Ms. Samar Pervez, desired to marry Murad who at the time was already engaged to me and wished to honor that commitment. He moved on, and she quite obviously did not! Had there been anything to be wary of from Murad’s end he would not be in support of this page or be making appeals on media for the same. If this acid attack is still justified by anyone, then so should be honor killings and rape. However, what is important here is not who did what and why. There can be no justification to this violation of human rights that Ms. Samar Pervez has committed. There really cannot be any valid reason for attacking someone with acid, be it a man, child or woman. Acid Violence is a crime not only against humanity, but also against the state. Again, I must stress that this is not a personal issue. This is really an issue of governance. Survivors must be granted justice and perpetrators must be punished. The Criminal Law Amendment Act 2011 (Act 25) states this offence to be not only non-bailable, but also non-compoundable. This alone is a clear demonstration of the seriousness with which the state eyes this offence. Acid violence is looked upon as an atrocious crime calling for stringent action and harsh punishment. Laws are meant to act as deterrents. We alongside our quest for justice want to use this forum as a means of creating awareness of the Legislation on Acid Violence. It is very important that people should know that they cannot get away with committing such a serious and heinous offence. This knowledge, in turn should serve to counter this violence. Let me also clarify that this campaign does not support any ulterior motives such as seeking asylum. Murad and I are very patriotic citizens of Pakistan and are only exercising our right to the justice that Murad deserves as would any other citizen of our country. We really just have one very simple, reasonable and straightforward plea. We demand JUSTICE. The main mastermind behind Murad’s attack along with one of the co-accused is out of jail on bail. This is clearly neither understandable, nor acceptable to us as the aggrieved party. We want reparation for this crime. I am sure that all those in support of our quest, will agree that justice is the only way for Murad and the rest of us, his family, to get closure. Murad needs to move on in life and our country owes him that much. As per the constitution, the State must protect its citizens-providing justice is an integral part of this protective obligation. By mobilizing a public opinion, Murad and I wish not only to gain support for our endeavor to obtain justice, but also to promote the need for better implementation of existing laws. We sincerely hope to achieve eradication of Acid Violence from Pakistan. Another point of importance here is that Murad and I are in the process of trying to attain justice. We have to face its lags every day-the process is slow and inadequate. The law needs proper implementation along with further legislation to fully tackle the issue of Acid Violence. Murad is not alone, nor is he the only survivor. Given our comfortable and educated background we were able to get Murad the right medical attention and legal counsel. But have you thought about all the other survivors out there who are still struggling? All the men, children and especially women? They have no access to either medical or legal support. Their voices are suppressed. We must stand united towards the protection of basic human rights in our country. We must raise our voices to obtain justice for all survivors, especially the women who are left voiceless."
Posted on: Tue, 16 Jul 2013 14:44:26 +0000
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