By Abid Chaudhry
TWA
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A human rights activist Zakia Noreen Khattak from the Kirke district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, lamented the devastation her family has endured due to false accusations at a press conference in Islamabad Press Club.
She recounted the abduction of her two children by a local Taliban faction, who demanded a ransom of 8 million rupees for their release. Faced with grave threats, Khattak appealed to the Prime Minister, Chief Justice, and Federal Interior Minister for justice and security.
Khattak, a Pakistani American, detailed her journey at the National Press Club Islamabad, highlighting her advocacy for women’s rights in the region. According to Media reports, She emphasized her role in establishing the Women’s Awareness Development Association and supporting various projects for women’s welfare. However, her efforts were met with criticism, especially after she nominated widows and impoverished women, including Christians, for funds from the Baitul-Mal committee.
This criticism escalated into false accusations, prompting the local Taliban to issue a fatwa against her. Subsequently, Khattak’s brother, Ikramullah, and his two children were kidnapped for ransom. Despite relocating to Peshawar in 2009 and later migrating to America with her son, Khattak’s family continued to face harassment from the Taliban for over two decades.
Appealing for justice and protection, Khattak urged Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Justice Justice Qazi Faiz Isa, and Federal Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi to ensure the safety of her family and uphold their right to live freely without fear of persecution.
