ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Dr. Mehwish, describing the incident as a tragic reminder of the growing threat of femicide and gender-based violence in Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Commission expressed profound grief over the killing of the medical professional and extended condolences to her family, colleagues, and the wider medical community.
The NCSW stated that the murder is not an isolated incident but part of a deeply troubling surge in violence against women across the country. It noted that women continue to face life-threatening risks in their homes, workplaces, and public spaces, simply for living with autonomy and dignity. The killing of women professionals, including doctors, teachers, and journalists, reflects serious gaps in ensuring women’s safety and security.
Chairperson Ume Laila Azhar termed the incident a “devastating reminder” that women in Pakistan remain unsafe even while serving society in respected professions.
“Femicide is not merely a crime; it is the most extreme manifestation of systemic gender inequality and impunity. We cannot normalize this violence. The State must act decisively to prevent further loss of women’s lives,” she said.
The Commission called upon law enforcement agencies to conduct a swift, transparent, and gender-sensitive investigation, ensuring the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
It also urged provincial and federal governments to recognize femicide as a distinct and urgent human rights crisis requiring coordinated policy intervention. The NCSW emphasized the need to strengthen protection mechanisms for women professionals, including improved workplace and transit security measures.
The Commission further called on Parliament and policymakers to ensure effective implementation of existing laws on violence against women and to address legal and procedural gaps that enable impunity.
Additionally, the NCSW stressed the importance of establishing a national database on femicide cases, strengthening monitoring mechanisms, and launching public awareness campaigns to challenge harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against women.
Reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding women’s constitutional rights to life, dignity, equality, and security, the Commission expressed solidarity with Dr. Mehwish’s family and all victims of gender-based violence.
“Silence is complicity. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” the statement concluded.
