A Doli, A Janaza, and a question for society

The tragic incident emerging from Murree, involving the alleged killing of a two-month-old infant, demands more than simply recording the facts. It compels us to pause, reflect and ask difficult questions about the support systems surrounding vulnerable families.

As a Muslim, as a Pakistani citizen and as a member of a society where the departure of a daughter to her marital home is sometimes accompanied by the traditional notion that she should return only for her funeral, this tragedy raises a fundamental question: Where did our support and protection systems fail?

This is in no way a justification for the alleged act. The taking of an innocent life has no place in either law or faith. The Holy Quran establishes the sanctity of human life as a fundamental principle, while the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) teaches mercy, dignity and compassion towards women as mothers, daughters, wives and sisters.

The responsibility of journalism, particularly investigative journalism, is not limited to reporting what happened. It also requires establishing facts, examining evidence and exploring the circumstances that may have preceded a tragedy.

More than three decades of reporting suggest that incidents of this nature cannot always be explained through a single factor such as poverty, domestic violence or family conflict. In several similar cases, the mental state of the accused at the time of the incident has emerged as an important factor.

Such conditions can include severe postpartum mental health disorders, depression, prolonged isolation or a lack of access to medical and social support. In some cases, when treatment is eventually provided, the resulting remorse can be profound and lasting.

According to statements attributed to Murree Police, the woman in custody allegedly cited an inability to properly care for the child. The Superintendent of Police, Murree, has also stated that the role of other family members remains under investigation and that no role of another individual has so far been established.

The question before society, therefore, is also this: Why did a citizen feel that there was no other option available?

Pakistan has institutional mechanisms intended to assist people facing such circumstances. These include child-protection institutions, legal procedures, state-run support facilities and helplines. However, their effectiveness depends on accessibility, public awareness and the removal of the stigma attached to seeking help.

The significant number of calls related to domestic disputes received by Punjab’s mental health helpline also suggests that the issue extends beyond individual criminal responsibility and deserves to be examined as a broader public-health and social-welfare concern.

The Holy Quran states in Surah Al-Hujurat:

“O you who have believed, if there comes to you a disobedient one with information, investigate, lest you harm a people out of ignorance and become, over what you have done, regretful.”

[49:6]

The Quran further states in Surah Al-Ma’idah:

“And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression.”

[5:2]

Applied to the present circumstances, these teachings reinforce the importance of verifying facts before reaching conclusions or passing judgment. They also remind society of its collective responsibility to ensure that vulnerable people receive help before circumstances reach a point of irreversible tragedy.

What Needs to Be Done

For citizens: Mental health problems following childbirth are medical conditions, not personal failures. Anyone experiencing severe emotional or psychological distress should seek professional assistance.

For families: New mothers should not be left isolated. Families need to pay attention to their emotional and physical wellbeing and actively counter isolation, stigma and overwhelming pressure.

For the state: Law enforcement and legislation must be accompanied by preventive measures. Mental health and child-protection services need wider outreach, particularly in vulnerable and remote communities, while public awareness about available support must be strengthened.

Minute Mirror remains committed to reporting verified facts. But investigative journalism also carries the responsibility of examining the social, economic and institutional circumstances that may precede such tragedies.

The ultimate objective should not merely be to determine responsibility after an innocent life has been lost. It should be to build a society in which vulnerable families can find help before a crisis becomes a tragedy.

Pakistan Paindabad.

Helplines for Families in Distress

Punjab Mental Health Helpline: 15, then press 7

Rozan: 0304-111-1741

Dastak Helpline: 0333-4161610

Ministry of Human Rights Helpline: 1099