Naushahro Feroze woman attacked by family with axe for 'seeking divorce'

In a tragic incident, a woman in Naushahro Feroze was brutally attacked with an axe by her father and other relatives after she sought a divorce from her husband, it emerged on Friday.

Local police reported that the victim, identified as Batool, had filed a complaint and sought protection several days prior to the attack.

She had been receiving threats from her father and brother after initiating divorce proceedings, the law enforcers informed.

The woman had also sought legal protection and appeared in a local court.

The victim was temporarily placed in a local shelter but left a few days later to stay with her mother.

According to the local police, the father of the victim woman, identified as Ghulam Mustafa, along with his brother and another suspect, attacked his daughter in Gul Town area of the Naushahro Feroze district, injured her, and damaged her legs. 

Batool is currently receiving treatment after the assault. Her legs were shown bandaged in plasters in a picture released by the police.

A case has been registered against the accused under sections 114, 148, 149, 324, 506/2 of the Pakistan Penal Code (provisions related to criminal offenses and penalties) and a suspect, Qurban Shah has been arrested. 

“Raids are being conducted at different places to arrest other suspects,” the police spokesperson said. “They will be brought before the law very soon.”

A recent report by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) revealed that 47% of women in Pakistan experience domestic violence.

Deep-rooted cultural norms and the fear of societal stigma often compel women to endure abusive marriages. A lack of legal protection and support systems further impede their ability to seek divorce.