In a horrific case of patriarchal violence, a Pakistani woman named Sobia Batool Shah had her legs severed by her father and uncles for seeking a divorce from her abusive husband, as reported by Geo News.

Sobia, who filed for divorce to escape her husband's neglect and abuse, was attacked in Gul Town, resulting in severe injuries that may leave her permanently disabled. According to her statement to the police, her father Syed Mustafa Shah and uncles Syed Qurban Shah, Ehsan Shah, Shah Nawaz, and Mushtaq Shah, armed with axes, inflicted the horrific injuries and fled the scene, leaving her in a pool of blood.

Despite her repeated pleas for help regarding her abusive marriage, Sobia's family ignored her plight and labeled her a disgrace. After she filed for divorce, her father and uncles confronted her, accusing her of dishonoring the family and demanding she withdraw her case. When she refused, they attacked her.

The local police, under the direction of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Nausharoferoz, are actively pursuing the perpetrators. One suspect, Mushtaq Shah, has been arrested, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining culprits.

This incident underscores the deeply ingrained patriarchal values in Pakistani society, where women's subjugation is perpetuated through violence and restrictive social norms. Harmful practices, often defended as cultural traditions, include honor killings, domestic violence, and forced marriages, all of which aim to maintain control over women.

The police have assured that they will continue their investigation and work to bring all the accused to justice while ensuring Sobia's safety.