The incident of gang-rape in Pakistan's Muzaffar Garh district, on the orders of local panchayat, has again highlighted the status of women in that country, especially in its tribal areas. The panchayat ordered that Mukhtar Bibi be raped because her brother had allegedly sexual relations with the woman of another tribe.

Pakistani people have reacted with anger and condemned the incident. Afrasiyab Khattak of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan says the incident reflects the society's thinking about women. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court has summoned police officials to submit a report. Most of the culprits are however still at large.

Does this gang-rape reflect a general thinking about the status of women in Pakistan? Or, is it limited to just tribal areas? Who is responsible for such incidents -- police, religion, culture, tribalism or the society at large?







It is really a shameful act. For such a heinous crime, the culprits must be punished under the provisions of law.
Shair Hussain, Dubai

It is a very much shameful incident. I think the present government has already taken steps to check such crimes but there is a need for greater efforts to ensure that such ghastly incidents are not repeated.
Shaukat Gul Sial, Pakistan

The gang-rape should be condemned by everybody, everywhere. The

	The gang-rape should be condemned by everybody, everywhere.
	Jasimur Rehman

Panchayat System or Wadera supremacy/ feudalism should be replaced by district administration. Islamic values & proper education should be introduced in general and specially in the tribal areas. All those responsible for the incident should be punished as per Islamic laws so that nobody dares to commit such a heinous crime again.
Jasimur Rehman, Saudi Arabia

It is an extremely shameful act. The culprits must be punished as per Islamic law.
Abdul Hamid, Saudi Arabia

This is very shameful for our society. Actually, it is high time the black sheep were weeded out from a powerful, honest and sincere police department.
Syed Tanweer Hasan, Pakistan

Shameful...the inhuman incident reflects a lack of discipline, law and ethics in the region which is certainly the product of the lowest literacy rate in the country. The beasts involved in this incident must be hanged publicly.
Eiraad Khalid, Pakistan.

We are Muslims and our beloved country was founded in the name of Islam, which guarantees equal rights and dignity to everyone in society.
Muhammad Aslam, Canada

Where are my so-called Jihadi friends? Why is there no call for a protest strike? Does Islam allow anybody to be punished by rape? If not, than all of the members of the panchayat, and the rapists should be stoned to death.
Zulfiqar Rafiq, Canada

They should be hanged till death and this should be telecast live. This will be a warning to others who disrespect women.
S A H Rizvi, London

There is a lot of respect in both of your religion and our culture for women. Unfortunately, due to illiteracy and other reasons tribal chiefs think they are above law. We need only proper education in every tribal area. These so-called courts needed to be abandon as soon as possible.
M Fahim, USA

I strongly condemn this incident. It is completely injustice and our religion does not allow us such injustice. Before doing such activity we should think a little bit that this incident may happen to our own sisters and mothers.
Zahoor Ahmad Khan, NWFP

	This incident of gang rape of a woman decided by community people is not the first incident. This shameful thing is being done for centuries here.
	S N Gilani

This incident of gang rape of a woman decided by community people is not the first incident. This shameful thing is being done for centuries here. This reflects the overall position and status of women in Pakistan. It is thought that this type of thing is best to attack the enemy psychologically. Even the women are called bad names in the fights between men. Moreover women are traded at the end of a fight. Rich lords rape women openly but it is never highlighted because mostly these women are poor and government institutions like police in Pakistan do not support them. To change this psyche of the society, the culprits should be hanged openly in the streets.
S N Gilani, London

This is the most shameful incident in our history. Our religion condemns such incidents. It is the result of illiteracy and discrimination. The government should take stern action against the culprits and those who neglected their duties.
Attaur Rehman, Dir, Pakistan

I feel ashamed being human being after reading this news. This is just a little example of this worst feudal Punchayat system. A lot of cases like this happen in these poor areas of subcontinent where the majority of people have not even a piece of bread to eat and on the other hand a few people have so much money, that they own thousand of acres of land. We can have some idea of their wealth by a little example that they spend around 500 to 1000 US dollar per day on the food of one horse. But they behave with human beings like some virus. On the other hand Mullahs are just money making machines. If we have a little knowledge of these so called religious scholars we can find a lot of writers of "Satanic Verses". It will be great for human being if all these feudal lords and Mullahs should be arrested together and put in a cave along with atomic bomb and governments of Pakistan and India make joint atomic test against these common enemies of both countries. These are just a few families of subcontinent but they are the only reason of hunger. They make the law for themselves. If they are not there anymore than both the countries can be developed within few years.
Zafar Iqbal Sajid, Toronto

We are ashamed of this incident. They are not Muslim. They
must be hanged to give a lesson for the whole Muslim world.
Zahid Jamil, Karachi

When I heard this news I was really shocked. The govt of Pakistan must hang those who are involved in this incident.
Muhammad Ameen Gujjar Abu Dhabi

Heard about this recent incident. This is a shame for those who call them Muslims. Those all who are involves in this incident may be punished.
Haji Musa Mir, Canada

I think all persons involved in that crime should be punished. The entire police staff of that jurisdiction must be removed from service and sent to jail. All police personnel must be informed that they will also be held fully responsible for such crimes.
Ziaullah, New York

All the peoples who are responsible for this must be hanged. I shall be very happy when they will be hanged till death.
M.Arshed Iqbal Sherani, Taunsa Sharif

This is really a shameful act for a country like Pakistan. It shows that we are still living in dark ages. The so called religious leaders should educate the general public in the rural areas of the country.
Aamir Nadvi, U S A

No doubt it is a heinous crime and should be addressed with exemplary punishment. This incident is sheer act of illiteracy. The existing system of feudalism is the root cause of such happenings. The police and even local judiciary at district level is under influence of these feudal lords. These feudal lords are mostly illiterate and follow the foot steps of their ancestors. Their elimination from society will eradicate such incidents. Present government's step to allow only the graduate people to contest forthcoming elections will help in reducing the reoccurrence of such cases.
Muhammad Malik, Toronto

This act of brutality has unearth cruel behaviour of our society towards women. It has also distorted our national image as Islamic Republic. All those involved must be given capital punishment in order to avoid such crimes in future.
Basharat Hussain, Chitral

It is truly a matter of great grief to see Pakistani women are constantly being dehumanised in a society which claims that women hold the utmost respect. Fortunately, this rape case has received plenty of publicity both domestically and internationally but what about thousands others who have miserably failed even to register their case with the police and the judicial system. I strongly suggest to General Pervez Musharraf to take severe action against those culprits who have committed this contemptable crime against humanity. Besides the General should publicly give invitation to all those women who have been raped in the last ten years, so all the victims could voice their pain and abhorring rape experiences. I am a human rights activist and I have record of several others similar incidents which have taken place in Pakistan. Lets not forget Head Master Nehamt Ahmer's daughter who was Gang raped by the Faisalabad police. Another similar police gang rape took place near Lahore where a Christian girl was brought to police station. Police raped her for several days. When her father and brother came to rescue her police brought them in the cell and forced the father, son and daughter to peal off their clothes and dance on folk music in front of demagogue police. How corrupt and demoralized Pakistani police is. I can quote many more cases like that where Pakistani Police instead of providing protection to female victims rather they took advantage of their uniforms. Such derisive incidents have become the law in Pakistan. If somehow government of Pakistan fails to punish he culprits this time then the wrath of God will breakout upon those who are in power and are accountable and responsible for the safety of weak and innocents.
Wallace M. Williams, Los Angeles

Until and unless we don’t follow strictly Islamic rules, we can’t change ourselves and our future. Our future is in following of Islamic rules. No other rules can protect us. This start happening again and again, there is no end to it. And our next day will be worse then the following day. Ultimately we will be vanished from the globe. We must practice it right from this moment.
Haroon, Lalian, Pakistan

With due respect to all, it has nothing to do with Islam. Nothing to do with Pakistan. Its an individual behaviour of a kind whom are available everywhere on the planet. We only can know them whenever they show up their satanic nature. Instead of being ashamed of these brutes we should fight back.
Mushtaq Hashmi, Saudi Arabia

When Pakistani Senate failed to pass a bill against honour killings, it gave a license to everyone to do so. Those like Imran khan, advocating Panchayat system, should learn a lesson from this. The Supreme Court did well to take suo moto action but it had been instrumental in developing this culture of disrespect for law and the constitution. A gang rape is being committed daily in the building adjacent to Supreme Court, with the Constitution of Pakistan but it dare not take any sou moto action against that because it is the powerful who are doing this. So the same message travel down to the masses. If you have power you can get away with everything. That is what the culprits in Muzzafargarh thought. Implementation of law must start from the top, and if it is done, the so called Waderas of New Jatoi and Sheikhupura and Lahore will get the message.
Khalid Munir, Islamabad

Rape, subjugation of women, hudood ordinance, and honor killing etc. are anti-human and government or rulers allowing these incidents are enemies of Islam-much bigger enemy than any anti-Muslim countries.
Zafar Iqbal, Washington

I have read about the shocking incident of the gang rape,it was a mental and emotional shock for me. What could be done to stop this kind of jirga madness? I think all those who were involved in this shocking crime, should be put them in a cage, and the public should be asked to spit on them, for to disgrace an inocent women like this. This might make other jirgas around the country to think twice before giving thier judgments in future.
Anwar, Los Angeles

I would like to shoot or take action according the Islamic law against these people who are involve in this case.
Muhammad Aamir Ijaz, Abu Dhabi

Extremely shamefull for all the society. The incident indicates the covered shameful parts of our society and our distance from Islam. still we have time to examine ourselves. Police and administrative departments in country responsible for peace in the country must submit their resignations.
Raees Ahmed Sheikh,Islamabad

There is no law and order in Pakistan. Let the government take strict action like sentencing the culprits to death. I think Pakistani authorities need to hang them publicly. To me police is equally responsible for this matter. In Pakistan police always help criminals. The government has to take some bold decision, as there is no political government now in our country.
Baqir khan, Muzaffargarh

Why so much of focus on this single and rare instance? Don't we see more heinous crimes committed against women in other countries eg Sattee in India,female circumcision in Africa etc.Anyway those responsible should be punished but not by bombing the area.
Ali Fawwad, Abbottabad

The knee-jerk reaction of the so-called Pakistanis makes me sick. This gang rape is nothing new in the rural areas of Pakistan. It goes on every day and no one cares. The police and other agencies turn a blind eye to the sufferings of the common people, because they are in the service of the landlord-feudal-politician nexus. Some cases are publicized by few remaining honest journalists, but most of them are silenced. Till the
hold of the Mullah and the Feudals is removed, these kind of beastly acts will continue to occur. Forget about the criminals getting their due from the Army rulers whose survival depends on the Mullah-Feudal nexus. In a few days every thing will be back to normal and the fat-cat Pakistanis will go back to harping about the greatness of their country and its people.
Wajid, Canada

It is ignorance. I think that it is lack of knowledge
that is a big problem in Pakistan.
Ataul Mohsin, Multan

Feudal lords and influential corrupt political elements are the causes of Pakistan's economic and social failure. This incident of gang-rape is its example. If we cannot get rid of feudalism and corruption from Pakistani society then injustices and poverty will increase. I think Pakistani authorities need to hang publicly those, who are responsible of this heinous act and those who cover up this act.
Syed Atif Kazmi, Hyderabad, Pakistan

I have heard about this incident and am quite upset about it. I have also read comments of different people about the incident. Some are attributing it to the Pakistani society and culture but that is not true. It is an act of illiterate people. Such people don't have any religion or country. They don't know that they are human beings and those who live around them are also human beings. They don't have any respect for the society and culture. The only way to stop them is to tell them that people around them are also human beings, by giving them education, and telling them the true meaning of our religion. But who will do this?
Zameer Haider Leghari, D.G.Khan, Pakistan

Where are all the champions of Islam? This is the rape of an innocent woman in the name of Islam. Shame on me to be a Muslim and a Pakistani. It’s about time for a revolution. Hang all these Jahil Mullahs, Feudals, Politicians, Waderas and Jageerdars.
Mukhtar Masood, CA. USA

	The culprits who have done this thing should be ashamed of what they did and they should be stoned to death.
	Amjad

It is only limited to tribal areas and illiterate people, no body should be ashamed of being Pakistani, I don't know how these people write that “I feel ashamed of being Pakistani". I request them to stick to the issue and there is no need to be ashamed of being Pakistani. I am really proud of being Pakistani. The culprits who have done this thing should be ashamed of what they did and they should be stoned to death. If we follow the punishment system of Islam about any crime believe me one will think hundred times before even looking at the women rather than doing anything like this. I request my countrymen to have a look at the attitude of the so-called religious parties, all are joining hands against Musharraf, against the government, against the economy and welfare of the country but none of them even held any procession or called for any strike to protest against this incident. The leaders always ask their activists to get ready to give sacrifice against government but none of them asked their activists to search for the culprits who are at large, catch them and hand them over to the police. Please don't be ashamed of being Pakistani. It is not the country but you who are to be blamed for everything; yes you should be ashamed of calling these kind of people Pakistani.
Amjad, Karachi, Pakistan

Shame on us that we were ignoring all decisions made by illiterate landlords and panchayat especially for their poor servants and helpless girls and women for long time. Although this is nothing new in Pakistan two years before six men gang-raped eight Christian women at gun point. Landlord raped 16-year girl (servant) two month ago. Incident of Rape/Gang rape must be condemned and all culprits should be arrested and punished.
Isaac Saroia, California, USA

This is one such incident which caught the attention of our public. I am sorry to say that there are other such incidents which never came to light. As a Pakistani I apologise for this heinous crime.
Muhammad Yousaf, Lahore, Pakistan

No one is superior to other and all Muslims are equal. If boy did something wrong then punishes him. Why his sister was punished? I appeal to the Supreme Court of Pakistan to give them such punishment that it will be a lesson for others.
Ghulam Nabi, Digri, Sindh, Pakistan

Dear sir, the people involved in this incident should be jailed for all life including panchayat and policemen. All onlookers should also be jailed for at least one month each because of their blindness and cowardliness. I also belong to this area. I know their mind about women. They do not have the right to live in the world. Please convey my heartiest sympathy to Mehta Bibi who is like a sister to me. I request to President Musharraf to overhaul the police department. I have seen in Dubai how well coordinated is police and CID system. Because of the police behaviour all these incident are occurring in Pakistan.
M.Aamir Naeem, Dubai, UAE

Pakistan is an Islamic country and the respect given to women by Islam was never in practise before. But the problem is "lack of knowledge and literacy". These poor people don't even know what really Islam is. They believe whatever they are told. You can never find these types of crimes in urban areas. We must condemn these crimes and spread knowledge among those who are still following old Hindu culture and tradition.
Fawad Faraz, Karachi, Pakistan

	This incident is just a tip of the iceberg as thousands of similar cases go unreported.
	Khalid Jamil

Feudal lords, chaudhris, waderas, mirs, sardars,... Pakistan's rural areas are wild and semi autonomous areas where govt officials do what the lord of the area want them to do. Corruption is at its height in those areas. This incident is just a tip of the iceberg as thousands of similar cases go unreported. I was shocked to hear that in June only there were almost 200 cases of rape in Punjab alone. The only way to rectify is to grab the land from the landlords and distribute them to masses. Pakistan's corrupt political structure has come from these powerful landlords who want to stay in power forever. Imagine if someone cast a vote against these landlords in their constituency... it would be worse than what has happened now.
Khalid Jamil, Melbourne, Australia

It is an act which has bowed our heads. I just want to ask our beloved leader General Musharraf, how he will face Allah. Where are our morals gone? I think police is also equally responsible for this. There should be only one punishment for all those culprits involved. They should be stoned till death in public and leave their dead bodies there forever, so that no one can think of repeating such incidents.
Tahir Habib, Australia

It would be absolutely wrong to say that this terrible act of crime reflects a general thinking about the status of women in Pakistan. History shows that women have been degraded in almost every society. Gang-rapes and even more horrific crimes occur in other countries as well, particularly in the western countries. But I agree to the bitter fact that in our country (Pakistan) it is actually happening more in the tribal areas than other parts of the country, and the government is not doing much to stop it. Now, all we need is to educate people, establish a strong system of security and judiciary, and protect women rights and voices. Unfortunately, every government was unsuccessful to fill this gap. We cannot blame police, religion, culture, tribalism or the society at large, rather the blame goes on this government, like the previous ones, as it is not taking necessary steps to fill this gap
I Ali, United Kingdom

This act of gang rape is so cruel; it should be condemned as much as possible. It is thinking of ignorance and tribal system. In this case feudal lords as well as police both are responsible for this act. Primarily culprit was brother of the woman (victim) or the woman of the other tribe. They were allegedly indulged in sexual activity, and they should have been punished according to Islamic laws. But why victim was gang-raped. Now culprits including panchayat people should be punished, so in future no body will try to do so.
Ahrar Khan, USA

Of course it’s a shameful act, but it is an act of personal thinking and decision of panchayat. No religion and culture of the whole world preach such shameful act. Other tribes of Pakistan can not think about such act. Really it is a punishable act but now the enemy of Islam are using this incident against Islam. This is too shameful. This incident has occurred due to illiteracy of panchayat.
Riaz Khosa, D.G.Khan, Pakistan

These people should be punchiest in a way that could be lesson to other people.
Sohail, Michigan, USA

It is really a big shame for every Pakistani living abroad. Give capital punishment to all the culprits involved in this crime. If the government of Pakistan does not act now, it will be responsible for such incidents in future.
Shoukat Baloch, Karachi

My comments are just kill them.
Usman Hyder, Karachi, Pakistan

	Heinous crimes, such as this one, have been committed in Pakistan with the connivance of the police and influential politicians since its creation.
	Zafar Mian

Heinous crimes, such as this one, have been committed in Pakistan with the connivance of the police and influential politicians since its creation. It is a pity that even a female prime minister, during her two tenures, did not take any steps to eradicate this evil from the society. Only a few of such horrible crimes committed against helpless and poor female victims come to light while hundreds remain un-reported. This is real terrorism and needs attention and real action. Pakistan has joined the American war against terrorism and all its resources are being utilized to eliminate Al-Qaida members. But the illiterate and weak village women of Pakistan are not capable of fighting this continuous terror against themselves and need help. I hope the Rulers of Pakistan will consider seriously taking some solid steps to stop this internal terror permanently from the Pakistani soil.
Zafar Mian

If this is "Wadera" culture, then it should be uprooted as quickly and as ruthlessly as possible. On this act of barbarism of so called "Waderas" every pakistani is ashamed of. Hats off to Mukhtar Bibi's boldness. It is a lesson for those who do not rise against evil. My sincere sympathies are with the victim.
Azhar Maqbool

When I read this news on the internet, I felt sorry for girl and shame for being from the same country as the rapists. I always stand against panchayat, because there orders are always like that, if we have courts in our country why we don’t use them? This is my request to government of Pakistan to hang these peopl in the street and show it live on TV so no one will try to do anything like this with someone's sister, mother or daughter.
Amin Pirzada, London

When I heard about this I was really physically sick. I have always been proud of being Pakistani and defended it come rain or shine, but I am sad to say that this shameful deed has made me lose all respect for this country. My plea to the people of Pakistan is to educate your children and educate your elders, if not then you don't deserve this Islam or this country.
Mansoor Khan

I feel sorrow for this terrible incident. But how government acted upon, my hopes are alive that culprits will be hanged till death.
Abuzar Shirani

It is really shameful incident for the whole country. I demand that case may be put up before special courts for an early and strict action against culprits. I am really surprised that religious parties are still calm and cool. Most of the parties has not bothered to issue even a statement. Action agaist such crime should be taken by government without loss of any time and culprts should be given capital punishment publically.
Javed Iqbal Mughal

I read this very sad news in media. I have my one comment that is: such sad news should be dealt with in confidentially. Such thing should not be exaggerated in media.
Yasmin Ali

I was shocked to learn the incident of gang rape in Pakistan. In my openion all the culprits must be hanged publically so that no one else could dare repeat an act like this.
Naseem

In Pakistan there is rule of the jungle. Human beings are treated as animals. Fifty-five years have passed since the liberation but the economical and educational situation of the masses have not improved. Might is right in the country and the influential class is responsible for all the wrong doings. To change this situation, a revolution is required to be brought against this influential class. The poor and the middle class should stand up for their rights and a strong revolution should be brought in the country. But who will lead them? When they bring someone to the chair, he loots the public funds and nothing is spent on the development and education. Only God can change the situation by some miracle. So we should wait for some miracle.
Alqamood Khan

It is very shmefull act done on the the order of panchyat.
Whole panchyat is required to be punished. This incident prove that the role of feudal system in Pakistan when and where he want to do any thing he do.
Tahir Farooque

After reading this shocking news it seems to be that there is no law and order in pakistan. Rulers should wake up at this worst time and handle this bad situation.
Sohail Akhtar

I am very ashamed that the society treats woman like animals and the government is not taking any action to stop such things. That is causing shame for Pakistan and Pakistani women.
Syed Haseeb

These kind of cases are just limitted to the tribal areas of Punjab and Sind. Where the feudals do not allow their people to study enough about the civilized society. It's a shameful act and I request to the present goverment to give a true justice to our sister.
M Ismail

Everybody has sisters and mothers so before doing such an act one should think that the same could be done with their sisters and mothers
Asim

They are animale and they should be hang.
Mohammad Shahid

Disgraceful. How can perperators of such heinous crime call themselves Muslims.
Mujtaba

This is a shameful act. Muslim do not do these kind of things. Whoever is responsible for this shameful act is needed to be hanged and leave a lesson for others.
Javed Iqbal

	The incident of gang-rape must be condemned no matter wherever does it take place. It is a shameful act and punishable everywhere in the world and in every religion and society.
	M Asad Mirza

The incident of gang-rape must be condemned no matter wherever does it take place. It is a shameful act and punishable everywhere in the world and in every religion and society. I wonder why the responsibility of this incident is being associated with religion and culture. I have not seen any religion or society where the gang-rape is a legal act. This is a social evil and is committed almost everywhere more frequently than Pakistan.
M. Asad Mirza, Karachi

The shameful incident of gang-rape in Pakistan is reflection of state of our civil society and government. The government is not serious in the welfare of people. Its main cause is illiteracy and discriminatory laws against minorities and weaker section of the society. As a result minoreties, backward classes and women are easily targetted. Honour killing is common in Pakistan. In one such incident during Nawaz Sharifs rule a young lady was shot dead with the help of her own mother. The killers are yet to be punished and our parliament failed to pass resolution condeming the crime. What can one expect in such country ?
M.N.Syed, Los Angeles

I was shocked to learn this incidence. All the culprits must be hanged publically so that no one else dare to repeat an act like this.
Naseem, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia


Now, I have a question for all so-called Mulla and Islamic parties who were ready for Jihad when America attcked Afghanistan. Where were they when Mukhtar Bibi was raped ? This is the time that all Muslims and all Islamic parties sit together and do something for Mukhtar Bibi. Not only for
Mukhtar Bibi but also do something for all innocent girls/women who did not have better protection.
Nadeem Zia, Dayton, USA


I strongly accentuate to the Cheif Justice that not only the rapists but also the whole panchayat and the police personnels involved in this act of shame and apathy should be stonned to death according to the Huddod Ordinance.So that no body else can think about getting involved in such an act again. And the overseas pakistanies can atleast tell others that they are Pakistanis.
Muhammad H Zeeshan, USA


It is very sad that things like these when happened make us so terrified. We are living in 21st century and still not aware of freedom and our rights. Unfortunately it happened in a Muslim country but they are not Muslims I dont consider them Muslims because Islam teaches respect for women. A Muslim cannot do it. They are enemies of Islam and the Muslims.
Khalid Ali Khan, Karachi

This incident highlights the poor law and order condition in our society. When "criminals" don't have any fear of accountability then you can't stop such incidents. Such types of incidents have been happening since the creation of Pakistan. A few of them get the attention of press.
Muhammad Ilyas, Australia

These peoples who are responsible for this incident must be publicly hanged to avoid this type of incidents taking place in future.
Syed Aqeel Ahmed, Canada

It is no doubt a shameful act. There is a need to give severe punishment to the culprits and the law enforcement agencies which were not vigilant, active and could not deal with the situation in time when it is needed most. Just sympathetic statement and aid to the victims is not sufficient and nor it will stop such incidents. Let someone be strong and tough to deal with it once for ever basis.
Habib R.Siddiqui, USA

In the land of pure, everything is fair for the ones who have the right connections and the right amount money. The Muslims and Pakistanis in particular are the biggest bigots. What happens in their country is exactly opposite to what they claim to be champion of, i.e., Islam. These champions of renaissance of Islam kill people for blasphemy without giving a second thought to the preciousness of human life. These people kill women for karo-kari just to save their lands. And these people rape women to keep their honour. A shame on the indifference of the Pakistanis. I guess they are getting what they deserve in the form of foreign dictation and coercion. And they will stay beggar to the West unless they mend their ways to respect human life and dignity.
Samir Iqbal, Germany

All laws the world over take prospective effect except in Pakistan where the laws take retrospective effect. And these laws are claimed to be in the "public interest". Of course public means the "saviours of the public, in uniform".
Mian Shams, USA

When I heard this news, I felt sorry for my country, it shows where we heading. This incident shows the wrong thinking prevalent in our society. In rural areas especially in Punjab, bad words for women (mother and sisters) are very common. They wish to have relation with any woman but if they find somebody else is havng friendship with their female relative (even married in Islamic way) they wish to kill the couple in the name of "Ghairat".
Iqbal Ahmed, Toronto

Though we should not generalize the present incident of gang rape with the status of women in Pakistan. But there is a big question mark on Islamic state of Pakistan. I think the four parties; police, religion, culture, tribalism or the society are equally responsible for such inhumane happenings. We cannot blame any one individually.
Dr. M. Ashaq Raza, Eritrea

This is an extremely shameful act. An effective recourse is to bring full, effective prompt justice and strict punishment to all responsible. Police, Punchait members and the rapists.
Tariq Habib, Dubai

Being Muslims, we must condemn this act as much as possible. Culprits must not be released after sometime, and punishment must be given as quickly as possible.
Yousufi

As a matter of fact it is very shameful act but we can never neglect the role of so-called politicians in our Pakistani society. In my opinion the person mainly responsible is political leaders from that area because they always protect that kind of incidents.I strongley request the government of Pakistan to take action against the political leaders from that area so in future that kind of acts will never happen.
Khaled Sarwar, Chicago

We are ashamed on this inccident infact all nation is ashamed.Our rulers must resign at once.People should bring the responsible people to justice.
Sonu, Lahore

Police are 100 per cent responsible of this shamefull incident. How many other women in Pakistan have suffered in the same way.
Sajid Turk, Karachi

This is another example of ignorance. Who will lead our nation towards knowledge and education. Let us pray to God to show us the right path. I strongly recomend all those held responsible should be punished according to the Sharia law.
Khalid Hafeez, New York

The sad happening reflects that other than terrorism lot of other issues need to be dealt with. For example police reforms and illiteracy.
Dr Farhat Abbas, Canada

We are Muslims.Islam does not allows like this. So government should peel off the skin of these all persons who are directly or indirectely involed in this case.
M M Malik, Jeddah

This is because government is busy with others and working for others not taking care for law and order. Rapes, robbery and all type of crimes are going on but government does'nt know anything other than terrorism.
Mukhtar Ahmad, Saudi Arabia

In my view, only police are responsible for this shameful incident.
Abdul Razque Maqsi, Sindh

	When I heard about this incident, I felt really ashamed to be a Pakistani. The whole nation should strongly condemn such incident.
	Salman Hasan, Los Angeles

When I heard about this incident, I felt really ashamed to be a Pakistani. The whole nation should strongly condemn such incident. This kind of incident does reflect the backwardness of the Pakistani society on the whole leaving all the metro towns where women seemed to be more liberated. Unfortunately due to lack of education, and unavailability of law and justice in the country, these so-called panchayats are the only means of administration. General Musharraf should personally take responsibility of this incident and should make sure that criminals are apprehended and be punished immediately.
Salman Hasan, Los Angeles

People in Pakistan's rural areas are Muslims only by name. They still practice the caste system like Hindus. There is a need to purify the masses by true Islam that gives respect to women.
Zainab, Canada

Numerous such incidents take place in Pakistan with regularity. These incidents are not small things. We must try to find out who are responsible behind them. For all such incidents, only police are to blame. When the poor people go to file FIR, the police harass them.
Raja Baloch, Balochistan

All the four culprits should be hanged and other eight should be life-imprisioned.
Hamid-Ullah Khan, Sydney

Can anyone tell us exactly what happened? How old are her brother and the woman he is accused of having "illicit relations" with? How many people have been arrested? How do the Pakistani rulers intend to ensure that such events do not happen again? Do they want to ensure this?
Dark Stranger, Washington

When I read the news of this sister, I was shamed myself because I am from Pakistan and I thought what the hell they are doing over there. Don't they have their own daughters and sisters? This is all because of illiteracy and tribalism.
Noman Maqsood, Texas

	We the male still consider a woman like our personal property than equal partners.
	Hamid Marwat, Gilgit

In reality this was an extremely unfortunate incident. However, religion has nothing to do with it. Similarly police are not responsible directly but their indirect role cannot be ruled out. In my view the culture has strong role in this incident. We in Pakistan are following cultural norms more than the religious principles. We the male still consider a woman like our personal property than equal partners.
Hamid Marwat, Gilgit

No doubt it is a bad incident but I don’t believe it could be a decision of the panchayat.
Rafique Raja, Montreal

The police are 100 per cent responsible for this tragic event because the culprits knew they would get scot free with the help of police. If they had the fear of police in mind, they would not have done it. Police are the actual culprit in most crimes.
Zahed Shah, Kuwait

This crime should be punished with full force.
Azfar Khan, Toronto

It is really a big shame for every Pakistani living abroad. Give capital punishment to all the culprits involve in this crime.
Nadeem Khawar, Toronto

The tragic incident is one more example of disturbing realities of Pakistan and its society. Since independence in 1947, military and civil rulers of Pakistan have been busy in power play. They don't care what happens to the poor Pakistanis. The country is being run on ad hoc basis. No long-term planning is made. Education and opportunities are scarce while poverty and ignorance invite exploitation. Unless there is a genuine and true attempt to reform all sectors of life in Pakistan surgically, no one can stop these tragedies from happening. It’s a big shame that despite being a Muslim society, we are acting as "non-believers of Mecca" in the 21st century.
Hashim Raza, MD, USA

Tribalism and lack of education is responsible for such incidents. If the rate of literacy will not improve in Pakistan then such incidents will happen again and again. To become a member of panchayat or councillor or MP or a public representative, the requirement of being a graduate for standing in the next elections seems perfect.
Imran Al-Haq, Tokyo

It is a very tragic incident. Though the urban Pakistan has come a long way, the rural, especially in the remote areas, situation is unbelievably inhuman. The way of thinking and understanding in those areas is the same as was in the barbaric era.
Zeeshan, Faisalabad

If the government of Pakistan does not act now, it will be responsible for such incidents in future.
Zafar Khan, Lahore

We cannot only hold police, government authorities or even tribal systems responsible for this sad and inhuman incident. As a matter of fact it is the reflection of our people's lack of education and teaching in Islam.
Laislabonita, Lausanne

No doubt this is a sad incident, but this is nothing new. Unfortunately these kinds of incidents get unnoticed and are forgotten because of the male-dominated culture in India and Pakistan. I still recall several news stories in which women of lower economic status have been disrespected by making them walk nude.
Shahab A Siddiqui, New York

There is no law and order in Pakistan. Let the government take strict action like sentencing the culprits to death.
Basreen, New york

	This atrocity took place in the presence of thousands of eye-witnesses to the crime which clearly shows the moribund conscience of our society.
	Syed Ahmad, USA

The abhorring criminal gang-rape of a teenage girl, decreed by the Tribal Council in Meerwala Jatoi, district Muzaffargarh, is earth-shaking and an eyeopener for those who are at the helm of the affairs. It is a total failure of the police and the district administration. This atrocity took place in the presence of thousands of eye-witnesses to the crime which clearly shows the moribund conscience of our society.
Syed Ahmad, Detroit, USA

Feudal lords and influential corrupt political elements are the reasons of Pakistan’s economic and social failure. This incident of gang-rape is the obvious example. If we cannot get rid of feudalism and corruption from Pakistani society then injustices and poverty will increase. I think Pakistani authorities need to hang publicly those, who are responsible of this heinous act and those who cover up this act.
Mardad, Lahore

The abuse of women to this extent is of course not a common trend, but there is a widespread women’s abuse in one or another form in that country.
As far as responsibility is concerned, fingers could be pointed to many factions, but I believe the people with power in last 55 years are mainly responsible as they fail to either reform or bring positive changes in overall society. That is mainly because of their greed, corruption and ignorance
M Ali, USA

It is a shameful act. It is due to the lack of knowledge of Islam, and the so-called sense of “prestige” that one tribe is superior to the other.
There should be severe punishment for those who are responsible for that kind of act. Islam does not allow that at all.
Affan Hashmi, Plymouth