Mukhtaran is a well known human and women’s rights activist in Pakistan who has been prevented from leaving Pakistan. This is not just another headline about yet another violation of human rights in Pakistan. Mukhtaran is a woman who has managed to turn her own devastating experience into a heroic struggle for all women in Pakistan and the neighbouring countries.

Mukhtaran was 31 years old when she was abducted and gang-raped by 4 men of a village tribe in June 2002. One of the men was the chief of the tribe. Her family did not complain fearing their lives. However Mukhtaran herself insisted on taking the gang to court. She succeeded to do so. She defended her rights and condemned the horrific act of rape and the misery they had inflicted on her. She was given compensation which she used to open 2 schools for girls and boys. This short summery does not do her justice. Since 2002, Mukhtaran has been advocating human and women’s rights in Pakistan and is now a well known figure supported by many nationally and internationally.

Mukhtaran was supposed to travel to the USA this month to talk about her experiences. She was pressured into withdrawing her visa application for a speaking tour in the United States. She has been refused to leave the country by the Pakistani government. According to latest news she is being held in a secret location and her lawyer has not been allowed to visit her.

The government of Pakistan in line with its indifference to the plight of women in the country is the cause of violation of human rights and the plight Mukhtaran’s finds herself in.

We condemn the suppression of women in Pakistan and the ban on Mukhtaran’s freedom of movement. We totally support Mukhtaran’s heroic struggle to highlight her own situation and that of millions of women in Pakistan. The Organisation for Women’s Liberation-Iran has set up a campaign to support Mukhtaran. We urge all to join us and help to provide the best opportunity for Mukhtaran to leave Pakistan and let the world know the plight of women in Pakistan and the struggles carried out to free women from suppression.

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