In patriarchal societies like Pakistan, women, who already have a marginalized status, are often considered easy targets. People tend to comment on their conduct and character without any restraint because they know that in a society like ours, tarnishing a woman’s character is one way to subjugate and silence her. This was not the case a few decades ago, as targeting a woman’s character seemed an obscene move, and anyone involved in female character assassination would have faced severe backlash and condemnation from society.
Take the example of Baloch society, where men once took extreme steps to safeguard women’s honor. However, today, Baloch culture has been corrupted by a few men who openly harass women due to political differences. This is exemplified by the recent harassment of policewomen by a politically charged mob in Gwadar and the online harassment of Hamna Malik by sub-nationalist Twitter accounts primarily run by Baloch men. This behavior diverges from Baloch norms and values, where derogatory or sexualized language is never used for women, irrespective of political differences.
Apart from derogatory or sexualized comments, religion is also used as a tool to target women’s character. The example of Sabiha Baloch is quite relevant in this context. A few days ago, she delivered an emotionally charged speech where she equated the achievements of the Baloch race with those of prophets. Some people believe that Sabiha’s remarks were blasphemous, potentially putting her at risk of prosecution under Section 298.
As a result, her comments sparked significant controversy, leading to death threats and warnings against her. While Sabiha Baloch should have been mindful of people’s sentiments during her speech, it is crucial to recognize that the intensity of the backlash she faced was justified and largely rooted in her identity as a woman.
Hence, these incidents underline the fact that targeting women’s character and honor is an attempt to silence them, especially in public or political spheres. This underscores the ongoing struggle women face in claiming their space and voice in a society that still views their independence and expression as a threat to the established order. However, it is imperative for women to remain conscious of their social fabric and refrain from making comments that could invite society’s ire, further complicating the already complex realities of the country.
