A writ petition has been filed with the High Court seeking directives to ensure the safety and security of women participating in election campaigns across the country.
Supreme Court lawyer Muhammad Misbah Uddin filed the petition on Tuesday, naming the Election Commission (EC), the Ministry of Home Affairs, the police administration and other relevant authorities as respondents.
The petition said that since the start of the official election campaign on 22 January, women-particularly those wearing hijab-have been subjected to attacks, harassment and intimidation while campaigning for candidates of their choice in different districts.
Despite widespread media coverage of the incidents, the authorities have failed to take effective preventive or punitive measures, it alleged.
According to the writ, the incidents amount to direct violations of several fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution, including Article 28 (prohibition of discrimination), Article 32 (right to life and personal liberty), Article 36 (freedom of movement), Article 37 (freedom of assembly), Article 38 (freedom of association) and Article 41 (freedom of religion).
The petition also alleged non-compliance with Article 126 of the Constitution, which mandates executive authorities to assist the Election Commission in discharging its constitutional duties.
Earlier, a legal notice was served on 29 January to the Election Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs and senior police officials, alleging failure to protect women’s fundamental rights during election campaigning.
The notice was sent on behalf of Supreme Court lawyer Umma Salma by advocate Muhammad Misbah Uddin to the Chief Election Commissioner, the EC senior secretary, the senior secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Inspector General of Police.
The notice said that following the announcement of the election schedule for the 13th National Parliamentary Election on December 11 last year, and the commencement of campaigning on 22 January, women-particularly hijab-wearing women-have faced organised attacks and intimidation in various districts.
Citing media reports, the notice said the incidents constitute both criminal offences and serious violations of constitutionally guaranteed rights, including freedom from gender-based discrimination and the rights to life, liberty, movement, assembly, association and religious practice.
The notice demanded that effective measures be taken within 72 hours to ensure the safety and fundamental rights of women involved in election campaigns. The writ petition was filed after no action was taken, it said.
