Azma Bokhari terms act an insult to women and religious dignity

Strong Reaction from Punjab Minister

LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Information and Culture Azma Bokhari has strongly condemned the alleged removal of a woman’s hijab by the chief minister of India’s Bihar state during a public event, calling the act a blatant insult to women, religious dignity, and the sanctity of the veil.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Bokhari said the incident underscored the continued relevance of the Two-Nation Theory, arguing that such actions reflected the very apprehensions that led Muslims of the subcontinent to demand a separate homeland.

She said incidents of this nature served as a living manifestation of historical concerns about the treatment of religious minorities.

Protests at Punjab University

Meanwhile, the Punjab University Academic Staff Association (PUASA), in collaboration with the Directorate of Students Affairs, organised a protest in Lahore against the incident involving Bihar Chief Minister Nitesh Kumar, who is accused of pulling off a woman’s hijab.

The demonstration was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, PUASA President Dr Amjad Magsi, Director General Rehan Sadiq, Director Students Affairs Dr Shahzeb Khan, along with faculty members and students.

Academic Leaders Condemn Incident

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah denounced the incident, saying it exposed what he described as the reality behind India’s democratic claims and Hindutva ideology.

He stressed that universities had a responsibility to raise awareness about the mindset underlying such violations of human rights.

“Every society recognises the sanctity of privacy and modesty, and it is shocking that such an act was allegedly committed by an elected leader familiar with South Asian cultural norms,” he said.

Calls for Accountability

PUASA President Dr Amjad Magsi said the incident had unmasked what he termed India’s democratic façade, adding that such actions raised serious questions about the protection of women’s rights and religious freedoms.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation across Pakistan, with calls for greater accountability and respect for religious and cultural sensitivities.