US envoy concerned over safety of Mukhtaran Mai in Pak

Thirteen men accused of involvement in the 2002 gang-rape of Mukhtaran Mai have been freed.

The US envoy to Pakistan has joined civil society groups in calling on the government to ensure the safety of Mukhtaran Mai,who shot to prominence for her campaign to bring to justice the men who gang-raped her,following the Supreme Court’s verdict freeing most of those accused of raping her.

“Following the release of those accused of gang rape,I am disappointed for Mukhtaran Mai and concerned for the rights of women in Pakistan,” Ambassador Cameron Munter said in a statement issued by the US Embassy.

“I call on the government of Pakistan to ensure Mukhtaran Mai’s safety. As the Supreme Court said in its judgment,’violating the sanctity and chastity of a woman is a sordid,despicable,squalid act,which is considered abhorrent in any civilized society’,” he said.

Munter said he admired Mukhtaran Mai’s courage for speaking up about the crime committed against her and her work to inspire and educate Pakistani women about their fundamental rights.

Thirteen men accused of involvement in the 2002 gang-rape of Mukhtaran Mai have been freed from a prison in Punjab province after their acquittal by the Lahore High Court was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Mukhtaran Mai had challenged the High Court’s order in application filed in the Supreme Court. The apex court upheld the High Court’s decision last week and said the accused should be freed if they were not wanted in any other cases.

Following criticism of the apex court’s verdict by rights activists and Mukhtaran Mai’s remarks that she feared for her life,Interior Minister Rehman Malik said the government will provide security and legal assistance to her.