By Dr. Yasmeen Kazi
“’I am legally married, I did nothing wrong”
She shouted out to the whole waiting throng”
“Do not stone me, I did not commit adultery
Just fire a bullet” she told her brother boldly
The air was all full of anticipatory ambience
The men had the mood of barbaric intolerance
Nine shots rang out loud in the morning air
But she did not betray any sign of despair
Her blood flew and her body fell smack on the ground
The assailant just looked at her like a hound
The crowd knew when it was her husband’s turn to die
The mob assailants let seventeen bullets fly
The bullets pierced his body and then he was dead
The spectators saw and filmed the gruesome scene and fled
This rugged stony land had often witnessed before
Such incidents long past were part of the people’s lore
How many more such deaths do they yet have to see
After stepping into the twenty first century?
Customs like these are not due to religion
Islam gives men and women right of selection
Of their life partners, they both have freedom to choose
Assailants must be caught and then have to face the noose
The fragrance of enlightenment must fill the air
Educated sons and daughters both equal and fair
Wiil rid the land of barbaric and savage customs
Till joy of progress and prosperity blossoms
