Ranipur — In a shocking incident highlighting domestic violence in Pakistan, Shabana Sheikh, daughter of Mushtaq Hussain Sheikh and mother of three, staged a protest and held a press conference outside the Awami Press Club in Ranipur, demanding justice against her husband for repeated abuse and threats.
Speaking to the media, Shabana detailed that her husband, Mureed Abbas alias Baga, son of Lahooti Imam Dino, has subjected her to daily beatings and psychological harassment. She alleged that he has also repeatedly threatened to take a second wife, creating an environment of fear and insecurity in her home.
According to her statement, on the previous night, her husband entered their house accompanied by another woman and violently assaulted her. She said the attack left her badly injured and bleeding. Shabana also revealed that she has three children, one of whom is physically challenged, yet her husband reportedly showed no compassion and continued the assault.
Following the incident, Shabana approached the Ranipur Police Station to file a First Information Report (FIR). However, she claimed that the police failed to take any action. She accused the authorities of being influenced by her husband’s connections and of avoiding filing a case against him due to alleged bribery and external pressure.
Appealing to higher authorities, Shabana demanded that SSP Khairpur, DIG Sukkur, and IGP Sindh Police provide her immediate protection and ensure strict legal action against her husband so that she could receive justice. In a distressing statement, she warned that if security and protection were not provided, she might be forced to commit self-immolation along with her children.
The incident has also drawn concern from local social and human rights organizations. These groups have called on the provincial government to take strict notice of violence against women and to ensure that victims like Shabana Sheikh receive timely justice. They emphasized that negligence or inaction by law enforcement agencies encourages perpetrators and leaves victims vulnerable to further harm.
Shabana’s case underscores the challenges women face in seeking justice for domestic abuse in Pakistan. Despite legal frameworks designed to protect women, societal pressures, and influence over law enforcement often prevent victims from obtaining immediate relief. Human rights activists insist that stronger enforcement, transparency, and accountability are essential to safeguard vulnerable women and prevent such incidents from recurring.
The protest at the Awami Press Club in Ranipur not only highlighted Shabana’s personal plight but also served as a wake-up call to authorities and civil society to address domestic violence seriously. Activists argue that cases like hers require urgent attention to ensure that women are not left helpless and that the law is enforced without favoritism or delay.
This case adds to growing concerns about domestic violence in Pakistan, where many women continue to suffer in silence due to societal, legal, or bureaucratic obstacles. Shabana Sheikh’s courage in speaking out publicly has drawn attention to these systemic issues and has prompted calls for immediate government action to protect victims and prosecute offenders.
