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Discrimination against students is a worldwide phenomenon, which, relevant social agencies have tried to work against all over the world. The theory of equality is believed to be the only solution of our differences, that we, most of the times, ourselves create.
In Pakistan, cases of discrimination aren’t that epidemic if it does not involve the higher-ups getting VIP protocol. Recently, an issue came to the country’s knowledge when allegedly, a student wasn’t allowed to attend a social event at one of Pakistan’s most prestigious schools.
Farwa, an engineering student, had registered herself to be part of a Model United Nations (MUN) programme at the Lahore Grammar School (LGS) Islamabad. As per the news that spread initially, Farwa, who takes a ‘niqab’ a veil, was not allowed entrance inside the LGS school, stopped at the gate, due to covering her face.
The initial rumour that spread, wreaked havoc on social media platforms Twitter and Facebook. “Engineering student Farwa Munir was invited at an event by Lahore Grammar School as a guest. But, when she reached the school gate, they refused to let her enter because of her Niqab (veil)… WTH? Is this the Islamic Republic of Pakistan?”, questioned one user.
Engineering student Farwa Munir was invited at an event by Lahore Grammar School as a guest.
But, when she reached the school gate, they refused to let her enter because of her Niqab (veil).. WTH?
Is this Islamic Republic of Pakistan ? pic.twitter.com/UEQHDJuWNV— Syeda Trimzi ?? (@TrimiziiSyeda) November 7, 2018
As expected, the tweet gained a lot of attention and comments, including that of Human Rights Minister of the PTI, Shireen Mazari. Who quoted-retweeted and said: “Shameful. I don’t wear the niqab but I will defend everyone’s right to choose to wear it. And if we believe in freedom of choice we must respect the rights of those who choose to wear the niqab. Prov Min of Education must take note of this incident at LGS.”
Ok so got a quick response from LGS owner – but she misinterpreted my request for ed dept to look into the issue – I wanted an inquiry so was not acting as judge, jury & executioner. Anyhow here is the other side of the niqab story: pic.twitter.com/7j6oBxEzHt
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 13, 2018
Soon after Shireen Mazari’s tweet was to go viral, she got a response from the LGS Islamabad owner, one Mrs. Neelam Dara. The response stated: “Shireen, this is Neelam (Dara). I happen to run LGS Islamabad and the hijab incident you have tweeted about is an absolute fabrication. The young lady with hijab was part of the several people invited for the Model United Nations but did not qualify to be the chair of the committee. She was never refused entry into the school at all.
The committee chairs are chosen on merit and merit alone. For you to ask the Ministry of Education to take note of this incident without a proper inquiry is acting judge, jury and hangman which in itself is against the tenets of human rights.”
To this, Shireen Mazari wrote: “Ok so got a quick response from LGS owner – but she misinterpreted my request for ed dept to look into the issue – I wanted an inquiry so was not acting as judge, jury & executioner.” – The issue has still not been resolved and it can be judged by the looks of it that we will be hearing the other side of the story, yet again.
