Rawalpindi, The Pakistan Sunni Tehreek celebrated International Women’s Day on March 8, emphasizing the significance of the day as a national honor for women. The observance included special sermons delivered on Friday, highlighting the importance of women in Islam and advocating for their rights within an Islamic framework.
According to Pakistan Sunni Tehreek, Muhammad Shadab Raza Naqshbandi, the head of the organization, delivered a powerful message stating that Islam is the foremost proponent of women’s rights, granting them esteemed roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives. Naqshbandi argued that addressing social injustices requires a deeper commitment to Islamic principles rather than distancing from them. He called for comprehensive legislation to ensure women’s rights to inheritance and voiced opposition to foreign agendas that diverge from Islamic values.
The celebration also acknowledged the sacrifices of Palestinian women, particularly those from Gaza, expressing solidarity with their plight. Naqshbandi criticized the influence of westernized notions of gender equality, asserting that such perspectives cannot undermine the Islamic guarantees of women’s rights. The Sunni Tehreek leader reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to advocating for these rights as enshrined in Islam.
During a gathering at Jamia Sayeda Kainat in Tahli Mohri, Rawalpindi, speakers including Umm Hasnain and Umm Ahmad Raza criticized the misrepresentation of women’s rights under the guise of modern freedoms, stressing that true liberation for women lies in the recognition and fulfillment of the roles assigned to them by their Creator. They denounced the use of International Women’s Day as an opportunity to express animosity towards men and called for action against immoral activities carried out in the name of women’s rights.
The speakers highlighted the transformative impact of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on women’s status in society, from a time when female infanticide was prevalent to an era where women were regarded as merciful beings. They advocated for improvements in laws protecting women and emphasized the pivotal role women must play in society’s development, particularly through the education and upbringing of girls to eradicate ignorance.
The Pakistan Sunni Tehreek’s celebration of International Women’s Day underscores a call for a reinvigorated commitment to Islamic values as the foundation for advancing women’s rights and societal progress.
Karachi, In a poignant statement on International Women’s Day, Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, leader of the Aafia Movement and a renowned neurophysician, raised a crucial question regarding the apparent oversight of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sufferings by women’s rights organizations. Dr. Fowzia criticized the double standards of the West towards Muslim women’s rights, particularly highlighting the ongoing hardships faced by women in Gaza as an example of such disparity.
According to Aafia Movement, Dr. Fowzia remarked on a recent statement by PML-N leader Ishaque Dar, expressing hope that the newly formed cabinet would address Dr. Aafia’s issue with the American authorities. She recalled past missed opportunities by the PML-N government to secure Dr. Aafia’s release but appreciated Dar’s acknowledgment of the matter. Dr. Fowzia also extended gratitude towards outgoing JI Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan for his firm stance on Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case.
Furthermore, Aafia Movement spokesperson Muhammad Ayub called upon women’s rights organizations to recognize the reported physical, mental, and sexual torture inflicted upon Dr. Aafia in FMC Carswell prison, Texas. Highlighting the responsibility of the Pakistani government in safeguarding Dr. Aafia’s human rights, Ayub pointed out that Pakistani embassy official Ayesha Farooqui’s 2018 jail visit to Dr. Aafia confirmed the allegations of abuse and torture.
American lawyers, including Clive Stafford Smith, have also observed and reported signs of torture on Dr. Aafia, advocating for her transfer to a different American facility. However, such efforts require the active support of the Pakistani government to make a significant impact.
The Aafia Movement’s call to action emphasizes the need for broader recognition and intervention in Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s case, challenging global and national entities to uphold their commitments to women’s rights and human dignity.