LAHORE: Punjab Women Protection Authority Chairperson and Punjab Assembly member Hina Parvez Butt has publicly defended her position on women’s rights following a televised debate with renowned writer Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar.
The controversy emerged after Hina Parvez Butt challenged remarks made by Khalil-ur-Rehman Qamar regarding discussions on acid attacks and violence against women. During the exchange, Qamar argued that certain narratives portray men as aggressors and unfairly present the entire male gender in a negative light.
However, Hina maintained that acknowledging violence against women should not be viewed as an attack on men. Instead, she said it is an effort to recognize the experiences of victims and address serious social issues that continue to affect many women.
“As a woman and a public representative, I believe it is my responsibility to speak up whenever narratives diminish the realities faced by women,” she stated.
Furthermore, Hina emphasized that the daily challenges faced by women across Pakistan cannot be ignored. She pointed to harassment, domestic abuse, violence, and acid attacks as issues that require public attention and collective action. According to her, discussing these problems is not about vilifying men but about promoting awareness, empathy, and meaningful solutions.
The debate gained further attention following an incident involving a young doctor who reportedly suffered burn injuries after an attack at her workplace. Hina said such cases highlight why conversations about violence against women remain necessary and relevant.
She stressed that recognizing these realities is essential for creating a safer society and ensuring victims receive the support and protection they deserve. “I respectfully disagreed because ignoring these realities does a disservice to countless women who face such challenges every day,” she wrote.
Hina Parvez Butt also clarified that advocating for women’s rights does not mean blaming all men. Rather, she said the objective is to acknowledge existing problems and work collectively toward solutions that improve social conditions and strengthen protections for women across the country.
