October 15, 2024 — In the wake of the disturbing PGC RA-PED (Rawalpindi General Hospital, Rape and Abuse of Patient Emergency Department) incident, renowned actress and social activist Durefishan Saleem has spoken out, calling attention to the growing urgency of tackling violence against women and the deep-rooted culture of victim-blaming.
In a heartfelt statement shared on her social media accounts, Saleem expressed her frustration and concern over the continuing cycle of abuse that women in Pakistan face, particularly in public spaces and institutions where they should feel safe.
“How long will we keep telling our daughters, sisters, and mothers to ‘be careful’? How long will we normalize the idea that a woman’s safety depends on her vigilance rather than the responsibility of those in power to create a safe environment?” she wrote.
The incident at Rawalpindi General Hospital has sparked outrage after reports revealed that a female patient in the emergency department was sexually assaulted by a staff member while she was under the care of medical professionals. The case has ignited a nationwide conversation on the lack of accountability within public institutions, the prevalence of harassment, and the failure of authorities to take sufficient action to protect women.
Saleem, who has been vocal about gender-based violence and women’s rights, emphasized the need for systemic change, stressing that laws must be enforced with more vigor, and the mindset of both the public and law enforcement must shift to one of accountability.
“Every time a woman is attacked, we are told that she must have done something wrong, that she should have been more careful. We are tired of hearing that. It’s time to ask, what is society doing to protect her?” Saleem said in her statement. “The laws are there, but they’re not enough if they are not implemented. We need stronger measures, a more active role from authorities, and better education to combat these deep-rooted issues.”
In a show of solidarity with victims of sexual violence, Saleem has called for protests, with several women’s rights organizations organizing nationwide demonstrations to demand justice for the survivor and an overhaul of the justice system that continues to fail women.
“We cannot allow our daughters to grow up in a world where their safety is continuously compromised. We must demand change — now,” Saleem concluded.
As protests and calls for justice gain momentum, many hope that this tragic incident will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the way gender-based violence is addressed in Pakistan. The pressure on the government to act swiftly and decisively is mounting, with many calling for immediate reforms in the healthcare system, stricter punishments for perpetrators, and a society-wide shift in attitudes toward women’s safety and rights.
The conversation surrounding the PGC RA-PED incident is expected to continue making headlines, with activists and citizens alike pushing for long-overdue action.
