Women of Karachi’s defiant response

Challenge and response

Dated 19^th Feb 2012

By Tarique khan Javed,

President, overseas Pakistani Investors Forum

The response to the  challenge of Difa a Pakistan's all Wahabi and all Male Jalsa in Karachi last Sunday, was given by two Jalsas this Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the Shias gathered at Ancholi for Difa a Tashyu or Shia and on Sunday MQM organized a spectacular all women event that can not be ignored.

Women of Karachi’s defiant  response:
My depression has dissipated after seeing thousands of young girls wearing their dresses of choice, having mahndi on their hand and wearing colours of MQM flag on their cheeks, dancing to Sariaki and Sindhi folk songs tunes around Mazara a Quide. Last week I could not find a single female in the Difa a Pakistan Jalsa. One week later so many girls in the same venue wearing what they like- no compulsion; almost felt like a dream come true.

I, estimate that only 5pc covered their face only 20pc wore stylish Abayas, only additional 10pc wore duppatta over their head; rest 65% preferred to be just modest with their Shalwar- Kamiz or Saris. Probably true preference of society in Karachi.

I was pleased to note the participation of  Hindu women in large numbers besides typically dressed Bohri ladies. This huge participation represent the fear of Pakistani women in general, against possibility of parties in Difa a Pakistan Council come to power. They perhaps thought it was important to show up today; to prevent Taliban like forces taking control of Pakistan, as they did during Zia rule in Pakistan  and Taliban rule in Afghanistan. They know well that if such forces come to power they can not be removed due to their violent methods as witnessed in Saudi Arabia or Afghanistan during Taliban rule. So the time to act is now, not after Difa a Pakistan alliance take control.

MQM’s bold stance but limited reach:
MQM has come of age and is now reflecting the need of majority of People of Pakistan. Their Land Reform Bill ( on hold in parliament), their Domestic Violence bill, their bill for new provinces, their demand for a secular Pakistan, were all sects are viewed with appreciation of diversity, rather subject to prosecution is being finally appreciated. Altaf Hussain endorsed all rights for the women as available else were in the World. He emphasized that poverty in our Country can not be removed without involving 52% population.

The organizational ability of MQM was tested to full extend and they came out with full marks. The logistics of bringing so many women to the venue or taking them back safely was not an easy task and they did that flawlessly.

However when I realize that the euphoria of Karachi event can not be equated to Country wide trends, my heart sinks again. Except few urban centers; women in Pakistan are not seen in Public. They are locked in houses after the age of 8. This prevents their physical and mental development. Thus a huge work force is lost leading to wide spread poverty.

No hope for change in near future:

The hold of current system is very strong. Parties like MQM have no presence in Rural Areas and is generally mistrusted as a Mohajir based ethnic party. While the PPP, MLs, PTI selected representatives from these Areas have a strong vested interest in maintaining the status quo. With their strong guaranteed seats parties are at their mercy and can not push them around. Only  Z.A. Bhutto tried to break their hold but he failed and the new Leaders do not have energy, guts or vision to push a revolutionary agenda.

ANP the party which great visionary BACHA KHAN formed in 1930s has lost its way and have become an ethnic party atleast in Sindh and have no presence in FATA. BACHA KHAN pushed for educating women in Pakhtun society. His model could play a major role in transforming Pakistan. But is not going to be the case as ANP is just busy Ruling with all kind of compromises. The Party of BACHA KHAN- the great champion of Non violence is feared as organized killers in Karachi.

Probably a new party, not interested in Ruling, combining all progressive forces in the Country will bring about a change. However that an distance possibility.

Than how we will come around this problem in the short run?

Asiatic economic model:

Our Economic history provides one unique solution. The Asiatic economic system as Karl Marks called it which existed in Indo Pak before 1800, involved generation of one third income by Ladies of the house. Through home based spinning and weaving activities. Data of the period indicate that there was good return on conversion/value adding of cotton to thread and from thread to cloth. By 1830, Britishers were able to destroy this Industry and shift it to UK, where raw cotton from India was value added on machines still generating lot of jobs for UK at the cost of loss of jobs in India. It hurt the general population very badly as the entire women industrial work force lost jobs and their status within the society as asset turned to burden. This along with loss of jobs to Britishers and heavy tax on agriculture contributed to the rise in poverty in Indo Pak.

While now the un natural Textile industry in UK has been closed down and has returned to Indo Pak its move back to homes is still due. If we could push all value adding beyond weaving to homes it could give us a great competitive advantage and employ a massive home based work force.

This should be one of the most important Nation goals of Pakistan. Large amount of funds should be committed for this purpose and foreign aid sought for this initiative which improves the image of our women in Rural Areas and they will become economic assets instead of burden at present. They do not have work after finishing the preparation of food and cleaning and are bored and depressed due to lack of work. If they could devote 5-6 hours working their lot will improve and they would be respected.