Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Vice President Senator Sherry Rehman has condemned the alleged murder of journalist Rabia Ahsan in Rawalpindi, calling the killing of another young professional woman deeply tragic and alarming. In a post on the social media platform X on Sunday, November 8, she said allegations that Ahsan had been killed by her husband were extremely disturbing and warranted serious attention. These remain allegations, and the statement does not describe how Ahsan died. Rawalpindi is a major city in Punjab, close to the federal capital, Islamabad.
What Rehman called for
Rehman said violence against women was unacceptable under any circumstances, and that no woman should have to fear for her life, least of all inside her own home. She urged the relevant authorities to order an immediate, comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into Ahsan's death, with every aspect of the incident examined. She also said anyone found responsible should receive the full punishment prescribed under the law.
Rehman said Ahsan, like every woman who has lost her life to violence, deserved justice.
A earlier case in Rawalpindi
Rehman linked the case to the killing of Hina Javed, who she said was also killed in Rawalpindi a few months earlier and is still waiting for justice. She asked how many more women would have to die before violence against women was treated with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. Her remarks came from a senior party leader, not from an investigating body.
What happens next
The statement does not set out any step by authorities beyond the call for an investigation, and it contains no official findings on Ahsan's death. Attention now turns to whether an inquiry is opened and how it proceeds. Violence against women remains a long-running concern in Pakistan, and calls from political figures add pressure for public accountability.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Rawalpindi mein journalist Rabia Ahsan ke qatl ke alzaam par PPP ki Sherry Rehman ne tashvish ka izhar kiya hai. Unhon ne kaha ke shohar par lagaye gaye alzaam bahut sangeen hain aur har aurat ko, khaas tor par apne ghar mein, mehfooz rehna chahiye. Unki maang hai ke is case ki jaldi, shaffaf aur ghair jaanibdar tehqiqat ho aur qasoorwar ko qanoon ke mutabiq saza mile.
