While fighting for the freedom of Pakistan Fatima Jinnah and Begum Rana Liaquat Ali Khan did not know that in the country they are struggling for women will not be free in reality. Pakistan came into existence in the name of Islam and founded by a Muhammad Ali Jinnah who had pluralistic values. He formed Pakistan so that every human being can live freely but still after passing 72 years vulnerable members of our society especially women are not enjoying the True liberty.

People need to understand that women have been created free just like men and they have the right to live without any intrusion of others which is natural and legitimate desire. Because of some cultural values and norms, women are being treated inhumanly in Pakistan.

This year Pakistan will celebrate 73rd of its independence. The question arises that, are women in Pakistan really free? Do women enjoy the same freedom in all aspects of life as compared to men in Pakistan? We realize that In 72 years we could not apply basic human competency and decency completely. We could not eradicate domestic violence, physical, psychological, sexual, economic and emotional abuse, acid attacks, molestation, harassment, child and forced marriages, forced prostitution, honor killings and modern slavery of women. Most of our women do not have access to health, education, and other resources. So the answer is crystal clear “Not”.

According to the Global Slavery Index, 16.8 persons per 1000 population estimated 3.19 million live in modern slavery and Pakistan Ranks 7th out of 10 countries that comprise 60 percent of modern slaves.

Many NGOs like White Ribbon Pakistan have been working to eradicate inequality and injustice against women and create awareness. Many laws have been made because of the efforts of human rights activists and NGOs but lack of implementation of these laws create chaos in society. Government of Pakistan seems serious to deal with the situation and have adopted a number of key international commitments to remove gender inequality and deliver women’s human rights but the feudal mentality and the system of patriarchy are not letting the nation grow positively.

People of Pakistan who believe in gender equality remain mute and sedated. Our moral and social growth is suppressed. So, we have to grow up morally, socially and politically to end the violence against women and eliminate the inequality among genders. We need to resist the dogma and declare ourselves ready for a different world in which we are against the awful things done in the name of honor. We need to work towards acceptance across genders. We need to embrace education so that we can end our collective abuse.

Independence Day is celebrated with extraordinary enthusiasm at the public and private level in Pakistan. We must deal with the issues of Pakistan with the same eagerness and must not remain silent especially when we need to respond urgently as a society. We hope that one day the whole nation regardless of gender, religion, caste and creed will celebrate Independence Day in Pakistan.