Violence against women on rise in Paktika

SHARAN (PAN in southern Paktika province.

Mohammadullah Himatyar, head of Sewad, a civil society organization, told Pajhwok Afghan News women had been facing severe nature of problems amid dramatic surge in domestic and family disputes.

The province had no other department to register complaints by women except women affairs department, he said, adding “only two percent of women may refer their cases or complaints to the women department for settlement while rests of them suffer continuously.”

Marriages of underage girls are a common practice in most of the families elsewhere in the province— a practice viewed against Islamic teachings and Sharia, he added.

He demanded the authorities concerned to focus to protect women rights and launch awareness programs for upholding women rights by involving religious scholars, civil society organizations and media.

Azizullah Ameri, Youth’s association head, said: “Women in the province cannot proceed to resolve their problems in relevant departments because of social culture, customs and norms.”

Tens of girls had committed suicide after marrying them under the age 18 in Sharan city only, the provincial capital, he said, adding Islam and Sharia gave rights to a girl to choose her life partner.

Akhtar Mohammad, a resident of Shakin district, said women were living in miserable condition in the province.

He demanded the government to conduct awareness programs for men and tribal elders to educate them about women rights.

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