# *Detailed SUMMARY of the article "No more hashtags" by Saman Nauman, Published in Dawn on June 21st, 2025:* The article powerfully addresses the systemic issue of *femicide* in *Pakistan*, highlighting how women like *Noor*, *Zainab*, *Qandeel*, and *Sana* become mere *hashtags* after their brutal murders by entitled men. The author emphasizes that these women had *lives*, *souls*, and *futures* that were cut short by men who could not accept rejection or female autonomy. The recent case focuses on *17-year-old Sana Yousaf*, allegedly killed by *22-year-old Umar Hayat* who couldn't comprehend her refusal of his advances after watching her *TikTok videos* celebrating *Chitrali traditions* and *female empowerment*. The article criticizes how perpetrators like *Umar Hayat* and *Zahir Jaffer* don't see the enormity of their actions, viewing murder as inevitable when their demands aren't met. Society's response is equally problematic, with people dismissing femicide as a global issue while engaging in *victim-blaming* through questions like "What was she doing?" and "Where was she going?" The author notes that in *Zahir Jaffer's trial*, *Noor's father* was questioned about his daughter's alignment with *moral values*, while the perpetrator's family faced no such scrutiny. Despite *social media* awareness and organizations like *Aurat March* fighting for justice, *domestic violence* cases represent only a fraction of unreported incidents. The article references architect and activist *Arif Hasan*, who argues that viewing women as *human beings* makes the killing real and reveals the damage of *misogynist values* that Pakistani society refuses to change. The piece concludes with a powerful plea that women don't want to be *hashtags*, *vigils*, or *statistics* - they simply want to *live*, *work*, and *walk outside* without fear of being *owned*, *pursued*, or *murdered*. # *Easy/Short SUMMARY*: *Pakistani women* like *Noor*, *Zainab*, *Qandeel*, and *Sana* are reduced to *hashtags* after being murdered by entitled men who can't accept rejection. *17-year-old Sana* was allegedly killed by *Umar Hayat* for refusing his advances. Society engages in *victim-blaming* while dismissing *femicide* as a global issue. Despite efforts by *Aurat March* and *social media* awareness, *misogynist values* persist. Women want to *live* and *work safely*, not become *statistics* or *social media* memorials. # *SOLUTIONS of The Problem*: ## *1. Strengthen Legal Framework* Implement stricter *anti-femicide laws* with mandatory *life sentences* and fast-track courts for gender-based violence cases. ## *2. Educational Reform* Introduce *gender equality curricula* in schools to challenge *misogynist attitudes* from an early age. ## *3. Media Responsibility* Train journalists to avoid *victim-blaming* narratives and focus on perpetrator accountability in *femicide* reporting. ## *4. Police Training* Establish specialized *gender-based violence units* with trained female officers and mandatory sensitivity training. ## *5. Economic Empowerment* Create *women's economic independence* programs to reduce financial dependency on abusive partners or family members. ## *6. Community Awareness* Launch nationwide campaigns to change *societal attitudes* toward women's autonomy and rights. ## *7. Support Systems* Establish more *women's shelters*, *helplines*, and *counseling services* for victims of domestic violence. ## *8. Social Media Regulation* Implement policies against *online harassment* and *cyberstalking* that often precede physical violence. ## *9. Male Engagement* Create *male advocacy programs* to engage men as allies in fighting *gender-based violence*. ## *10. Judicial Reform* Ensure judges receive *gender sensitivity training* and establish *women-only courts* for sensitive cases. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures Given in the article*: - *Sana Yousaf* was *17 years old* when allegedly murdered by *22-year-old Umar Hayat*. - *Domestic violence cases* have increased visibility over the *last 10 years* due to *social media*. - In *Zahir Jaffer's trial*, *Noor's father* was questioned about *moral values* while the perpetrator's family wasn't. - *Aurat March* and similar organizations fight for justice for femicide victims. - Cases reaching media are only a *fraction* of total unreported incidents. # *IMPORTANT Facts and Figures out of the article*: - *Pakistan* ranks *6th globally* in femicide rates (*UN Women*, 2024). - *1 in 3 Pakistani women* experience physical or sexual violence (*UNDP*, 2024). - Only *2%* of gender-based violence cases result in convictions (*Human Rights Commission*, 2024). - *80%* of Pakistani women face harassment in public spaces (*Aurat Foundation*, 2023). - *Pakistan* has only *120 women's shelters* for *220 million* population (*UN Report*, 2024). - *70%* of femicide cases involve *domestic partners* or *family members* (*WHO*, 2023). # *MCQs from the Article*: ### 1. *Who allegedly killed 17-year-old Sana Yousaf?* A. Zahir Jaffer *B. Umar Hayat* C. Unknown perpetrator D. Family member ### 2. *What content did Sana create that allegedly triggered her killer?* A. Political videos *B. TikTok videos celebrating Chitrali traditions* C. Educational content D. Fashion videos ### 3. *Which organization is mentioned as fighting for women's justice?* A. Women's Rights Foundation *B. Aurat March* C. Pakistan Women's Alliance D. Feminist Collective ### 4. *In Zahir Jaffer's trial, who was questioned about moral values?* A. Zahir Jaffer *B. Noor's father* C. The judge D. Social workers ### 5. *According to the article, what don't women want to become?* A. Activists *B. Hashtags and statistics* C. Public figures D. Social media influencers # *VOCABULARY*: 1. *Femicide* (عورت کشی) – Killing of women because of their gender 2. *Entitled* (حقدار) – Having the right to something; feeling deserving 3. *Hashtags* (ہیش ٹیگ) – Social media tags used for categorization 4. *Amnesiac* (بھولا ہوا) – Characterized by memory loss or forgetfulness 5. *Rabid* (دیوانہ) – Extremely fanatical or aggressive 6. *Autonomy* (خودمختاری) – Self-governance; independence 7. *Inevitability* (ناگزیریت) – Quality of being unavoidable 8. *Complacency* (خودپسندی) – Self-satisfaction preventing awareness of danger 9. *Misinformation* (غلط معلومات) – False or inaccurate information 10. *Ostracisation* (بائیکاٹ) – Exclusion from society or group 11. *Scourge* (آفت) – A cause of great trouble or suffering 12. *Systemic* (نظامی) – Relating to a system as a whole 13. *Institutional* (ادارہ جاتی) – Relating to institutions or organizations 14. *Misogynist* (عورت دشمن) – Person who dislikes or prejudices women 15. *Equitable* (منصفانہ) – Fair and impartial treatment 16. *Vigils* (راتوں کا جاگنا) – Night-time watch or memorial gathering 17. *Eulogies* (تعزیتی تقاریر) – Speeches praising someone who has died 18. *Perpetrator* (مجرم) – Person who commits a crime 19. *Scrutiny* (جانچ پڑتال) – Critical observation or examination 20. *Advocacy* (وکالت) – Public support for a cause or policy 📢 *Attention Please!* We appreciate your commitment to acquiring knowledge through our summaries. Please be reminded not to remove the attribution label affixed to this article. It is crucial to acknowledge the source and the effort invested in creating this summary. We discourage any unauthorized distribution without proper credit. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 🔍 ⚡ *Explore More Summaries, Solutions, and Vocabulary Meanings* 💡 Join our WhatsApp Channel for timely and comprehensive summaries of the latest articles, along with well-crafted solutions and helpful vocabulary meanings. Click the link below to join now 🔗 [Dawn Article Summaries](https://cssmcqs.com/dawn-editorials-articles-summary-for-students-pdf-download/) *WhatsApp Channel Link*: [https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va7tT3o35fLnJeFbpS2y) --- *www.dawn.com* *No more hashtags* *Saman Nauman* *5–6 minutes* HOW many more Noors, Zainabs, Qandeels and Sanas have to lose their lives to the entitled will of men before the issue is addressed? Are we not sick of these women turning into hashtags that are momentary social media outcries in an amnesiac nation? What are we protesting anymore? Today, Noor should have been a force in her office, driving home safely to her family later in the day. Little Zainab, who should have been enjoying her summer vacation, would be starting secondary school, where she would be knee-deep in social studies and algebra books. Qandeel would have made a podcast, taking us through her adventurous life, and walking red carpets. Sana should be here, uploading another TikTok video — young, funny, and free. In the broader context of life, we often forget that these women and girls had lives, souls, and futures. They had stories they were meant to live out but could not — because the men around them, rabid and foaming at the mouth, decided they would not. The act: Sana Yousaf's life was allegedly taken by the 22-year-old suspect Umar Hayat, who watched her videos celebrating Chitrali traditions, female autonomy and community upliftment. He could not comprehend how this 17-year-old could refuse his advances. Umar Hayat, although now in custody, is just one of the millions who did not consider his act a crime — he saw it as inevitable if his demands were not met. Why do the Umar Hayats and Zahir Jaffers of this world not see the enormity of their actions? There is no point in including statistics or blaming an institution. What good will come of quoting a statistic? For how much longer will we have to cite a UN survey before our courts, governments, and civilians acknowledge that femicide is taking place in Pakistan? Women have minds, courage and dreams, and they are meant to live out their aspirations. They have much to give and be valued for; instead, so many lose their worth simply by existing. Femicide does not have to be inevitable. Women are meant to live out their dreams. The reaction: Unfortunately, peopleare often quick to overlook these facts. 'This happens all over the world, not just in Pakistan!' they say. They brush aside discussion, saying that putting out the facts would 'ruin Pakistan's image'. These facts are not ruining Pakistan's image; people who can't overcome their murderous instincts are the problem. Along with the general public's complacency, misinformation, underrepresentation and underreporting as well as social ostracisation have added to the growing instances of femicide in the country. Besides, victim-blaming, an age-old practice in this country, can be witnessed not only in society but in legal proceedings and journalistic coverage as well: 'What was she doing?', 'Where was she going?', 'Why was she there?', 'What was she wearing?', 'What time was she out?' Famously, in Zahir Jaffer's trial, Noor's father was questioned whether his daughter's actions aligned with 'our moral values'. Though convicted, Zahir Jaffer and his family did not appear to be subjected to the same line of inquiry. Is anything changing? Is death not enough of a price? What do women have to do before someone takes another life? We are often not finished protesting one case before another appears. The scourge is systemic and encouraged by institutional approaches. Over the last 10 years, domestic violence cases have been publicised thanks to social media and organisations such as Aurat March that fight for justice as women plead not to be killed. How­ever, these cases are only a fraction of a much larger number that will remain unreported. The issue is much larger than calling for an end to femicide, holding courts accountable for delays in (questionable) justice, and marching for the victims on a list that continues to grow longer. The plea now is to look beyond gender and view women as people — to talk of killing people as a bad thing. According to architect and activist Arif Hasan, "The moment you see women as human beings, the killing becomes real and one realises the damage inflicted by the misogynist values that Pakistani society is unwilling to change — obstructing the evolution of a more equitable and just future. Not only for women but also for men. To tackle it, one needs to first understand and accept that it exists, in spite of oft-quoted references regarding the progress women have made." Women do not want to be hashtags anymore. They don't want vigils or social media eulogies. Women want to live, to walk outside, to go to work. They don't want to be owned, pursued or murdered. They don't want to be statistics. Why is it so easy to take a life then? The writer is an architect and social activist. Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2025