By SYED SHAHABUDDIN
SWAT: An open katchery focusing on women’s inheritance rights and National Women’s Day was held in Saidu Sharif on Thursday, where officials heard complaints from women and issued on-the-spot directives for action.
The event was organised at Government Centennial Model School Wadudia under the chairmanship of Masood Ahmed, Commissioner of the Malakand Division.
It was attended by Rabab Mehdi, Ombudsperson for Women Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Syed Fida Hassan Shah, Regional Police Officer Malakand Division, along with the Additional Deputy Commissioner Swat, Assistant Commissioner Babuzai, and officers from various government departments.
A large number of women participated in the open katchery and raised issues related to inheritance rights. Officials said the complaints were carefully heard, and immediate instructions were issued to the relevant departments to ensure timely and effective action.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Masood Ahmed said that keeping in view Pashtun social traditions, concrete steps were being taken across the Malakand Division to safeguard women’s inheritance rights. He said a zero-tolerance policy against harassment of women was being strictly enforced.
He added that the provincial government had placed the protection of women’s legitimate inheritance rights among its top priorities, warning that negligence or delay in such cases would not be tolerated.
Ombudsperson Rabab Mehdi briefed participants on the role and mandate of the Ombudsman’s office and urged women to approach relevant legal forums without fear to claim their rights. She assured them of full legal support and guidance.
She also noted that National Women’s Day is observed annually on February 12 to promote awareness and confidence among women regarding their legal, social, and economic rights.
Regional Police Officer Syed Fida Hassan Shah also addressed the gathering, reiterating police support for the protection of women’s rights. Women participants described the open katchery as a positive initiative and expressed hope that such forums would help ensure timely access to justice.
