A legal notice has been sent to the Election Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and top police officials, alleging failure to protect the fundamental rights of women during the election campaign.
Lawyer Muhammad Misbah Uddin sent this notice on behalf of Supreme Court lawyer Umma Salma. The notice has been sent to the chief election commissioner, the senior secretary of the Election Commission, the senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the inspector general of police.
The notice states that, centring the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election, incidents of attacks, harassment, and intimidation have occurred against women participating in election campaigns in various parts of the country, which constitutes a serious violation of constitutionally recognised fundamental rights.
The notice mentions that last year on 11 December, the chief election commissioner announced the schedule for the 13th national parliamentary election.
According to the schedule, candidates and their supporters began election campaigning from 22 January. However, from that time, in various districts, particularly women wearing hijabs have been subjected to organised attacks and persecution.
Citing information from multiple reports published in the media, the notice states that these attacks are not only criminal offenses but also grave violations of fundamental rights described in Articles 28, 32, 36, 37, 38, and 41 of the Constitution, such as freedom from gender-based discrimination, protection of life and personal liberty, and freedom of movement, assembly, association, and religion.
The notice further states that according to Article 126 of the Constitution, it is the constitutional obligation of all executive authorities to assist the Election Commission in its functions. Yet, the concerned authorities have not taken timely preventive, remedial, or punitive measures, which amounts to serious irresponsibility.
The notice demands that effective steps be taken within 72 hours to ensure the security and fundamental rights of women participating in election campaigns. Otherwise, legal action will be taken, as mentioned in the notice.
