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On the 8th of May, MNA Mehnaz Akber Aziz introduced the Islamabad Capital Territory Domestic Workers Bill, 2019 in the National Assembly of Pakistan and Interior Minister Ijaz Shah’s reaction even to the idea of any such regulation is beyond absurd.
What is the bill about?
10-year-old Tayyaba was found dead in the house of a judge in Islamabad where she worked; she was tortured to death. Shazia Masih, working as domestic labor to an employer in ICT, also had the same fate while Tehmina Qasim was left alive to live with the trauma of abuse. These are just a handful of cases that saw the day of the light. There are
To curb this prevalent violence and abuse against domestic workers in Islamabad, MNA Mehnaz Aziz introduced The Islamabad Capital Territory Domestic Workers Bill, 2019 before the National Assembly. The proposed bill aims to regularize the employment of domestic labor in the capital.
Ijaz Shah’s absurd remarks…
Before even the introduction of the bill, newly appointed Interior Minister if Pakistan, Mr. Ijaz Shah took over the floor and claimed that the Islamabad Capital Territory Domestic Workers Bill, 2019 threatens the culture of Pakistan and disrespect the concept of “Chaar Deewari.” Here’s what Mr. Shah said…
Thankfully, the speaker of the assembly, Asad Qaiser
Ijaz’s illogical comments didn’t go well with many Pakistanis who then took to Twitter to express their anger.
What we think…
Mr. Ijaz Shah tried to undermine the gravity of violence against domestic labors just because “according to him”, there weren’t many reported incidents. Our question remains why do we need to create legislation for the protection of someone’s right only when only there’s prevalent exploitation.
Domestic workers like others are equally a citizen of Pakistan and thus, there should be legislation for the provision of their rights without any questions asked. Given this, Shah’s stand against the bill is highly condemnable and makes little sense.
Moreover, any culture that enables violence against the weak should be condemned instead of being upheld proudly. exploitation of domestic labors’ rights has certainly emerged as a social challenge in the last five years in Pakistan and so, the Interior Minister’s stance towards such an ill is shameful, to say the least!
Also, Mehnaz Aziz deserves massive respect for bringing an issue as important as abuse against domestic workers to the table. We need more of such wise voices representing the people of Pakistan! More power to you, ma’am!
Read:Pakistan Remains Divided As Ali Zafar Breaks Down In Tears While Claiming Innocence!
