RESEARCH LOCALE

Locale can be described at two levels. One is at micro level and second is at macro level.

3.1. The research setting This chapter is based on the description of locale where this

research was conducted. In order to conduct well and trust worthy research the locale

matters a lot. So I selected a locale for research to collect actual data. The locale of my

research is Women Shelter Home (Dar-ul-Aman) Gujrat situated in District Gujrat, Punjab

province of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

3.2. Research site description at macro level

Researcher conducted ethnographic study in DUA district GUJRAT of Punjab province.

Social Welfare and-ul

Bait
-Maal, Punjab

Women Shelter Homes in 36 Districts

Women Shelter Home Gujrat

PAKISTAN

PUNJAB

GUJRAT
DUA
MARGHZAR
COLONY

Research site macro to micro level

3.2.1. History of Gujrat district Gujrat is not a new city it’s an ancient city of Punjab

province in Pakistan. It is located between two famous rivers, The Jehlum and Chenab

River. Due to this its land is very fertile and good for different types of crops. It is bounded

to the northeast by Jammu and Kashmir; in its north west Jehlum River flows. Chenab river

flows its east and southeast and separate it from the district of Gujranwala and Sialkot. In its

west Mandi Bahauddin District exist. Gujrat is a famous city of Punjab province, Pakistan.

Gujrati people are very famous in Pakistan and in different other countries like Oslo

(Norway), U.K., U.S.A. and U.A.E. In Oslo there is a large number of Gujratis who

migrated and there a community named as Mini Pakistan in Oslo. In U.A.E. same name is

used for Pakistani people in an area.

 Map of district Gujrat (Location of Gujrat in Pakistan)

(Source: Google Maps)

Gujrat is connected with Islamabad and Lahore through G.T.Road which is also called the

industrial heart of Pakistan that was made by Sher Shah Suri. Gujrat is 120 Kilometers from

Lahore and 174 kilometers away from Islamabad (The capital of Pakistan).

According to a British historian named as General Cunningham the founder of Gujrat city
was Raja Bachhan Pal Gurjar. He founded Gujrat in 460 BC. According to some local
people’s view, researcher came to know the people of GUJRAT are called “Brave People”.
Area of Gujrat came under the dynasty of different empires at different times like King
Porus era, Lodhi, Mughal era (997 CE), Sikh era, British era (1846) before these era
according to many Gazetteers of India This area was ruled by Hindu Kings for several years.
A Line of small to large industries which starts from Ravi to Chenab River can be seen
along the G.T. Road when you travel from Lahore to Gujrat. The Chenab River is also
famous for a ‘lock dastatn’ (folk lore) of Sohni and Mahiwal.

Present Gujrat

Gujrat is now a well-established and developed district of Pakistan's Punjab. In contrast to

other regions of Pakistan, the literacy rate is very high. In many industrial and agricultural

products, it has a preeminent reputation. The citizens of Gujrat are well educated, highly

trained and courageous. So in every sector, they are successful.

Climate Gujrat city has a moderate climate. During the peak of summer, the daytime

temperature shoots up to 50 °C (113 °F), but the hot spells are relatively short due to the

proximity of the Azad Kashmir Mountains. During the winter, the minimum temperature

may fall below 2 °C (36 °F). The average rainfall at Gujrat is 67 centimeters (26 in).

Precipitation (Rain or Snow)

November, December, May are the months of lowest possibilities of substantial

precipitation in Gujrat. In early to mid-August, it is most likely to rain or snow, with an

average of 3 days of substantial precipitation during the week of August 6.

Humidity and Wind

There are some very moist months in Gujrat, and dry months in the opposite season. May

(29.5 percent relative humidity) is the least humid month, and January (71.3 percent) is the

most humid month. The month of June is the windiest, followed by May and April.

Language and Demography

According to the 2017 census the population of the Gujrat district is 2,756,110. The
growth rate is 2.34%.

Sr No. Total Population Male Female

1 2,756,110 1,335,339 1,420,628

Sr No. Total Population Rural Urban

1 2,756,110 1,928,714 827,396

Source: Population Survey of District Gujrat According to 2017 Census.

Punjabi is the first language of 98 percent of the population in district according to the 1998

census, while Urdu represents 1.1 percent.

Mostly Majhi and pothohari , shah puri dialects of Punjabi are spoken by local people. In

addition Urdu is also spoken by the local of the district Gujrat.

Culture Culture is an important aspect of a society and most interesting thing for an

anthropologist. Gujrat is a rich cultural city with its own uniqueness. Gujrat produces low-

temperature pottery and ceramic goods, hukkas, water pipe, artistic handicrafts, flower pots,

changairian and Chaaby (made from the leaves of palm and date trees), cotton mates and

woollen shawls. Different folklores like Sohni Mahiwal are an essential part of Punjabi

culture. The anniversary of Kanwan-Wali Sarkar near Karuan Wala Gujrat is celebrated

with a fair in August every year. He is known as one of the greatest saints that ever lived. A

famous miracle was when water in a well actually turned to milk for a period of time. The

well is still there. Some locals attach significance to the fact that it often rains heavily

around the time of the fair (monsoon). “Wengi Wali Sarkar” anniversary in 5th January

every year at village Haji Wala near Karianwala Tehsil and District Gujrat. Shrine of Hazrat
Shahdola (a famous saint in Punjab) is also in Gujrat near Shahdola Choki. The anniversary

of ( Hazrat Shahdola Sarkar)is celebrated in June every year. When you entered in that street

where Shadola darbar (shrine) is located a large number of different items can be seen like

different objects made with aluminum like aye, hand, leg, full body, head etc. People used

these items in their `Mannats’ (offerings) at the Shadola shrine. Gujrati people are also

famous for their hospitality and friendship. In Gujrat people of all classes can be seen. Due

to migration and globalization now culture of Gujrat is also changed. People tend to build

double to triple story houses as researcher saw such houses in almost all areas of district

Gujrat and also in Gujrat city as in Muslim colony, Shadman area and Fawara chok sides

where researcher travelled to observe this area.

Agriculture Due to Chenab and Jehlum rivers its land is favourable for agriculture. Many

other industries are also present in Gujrat. Due to globalization Gujrati people started to

migrate in other countries during 1970’s and 1980’s it’s still continued due to this most

agriculturists are not more interested in agriculture business and most of the time they sell

their land for migration purposes.

3.2.6.Crops

Kanak (Wheat) and Cha’awal (Rice) are the main crops grown in the district. Besides, Gana

(Sugarcane), Bajra (millet), Tobacco (tambaco), Maize, Jawar, Masoor, Moong, Mash, Oil
Seed such as Mustard (sariyun) and Sun/Flower (suraj makhi) are also grown in minor
quantity.

3.2.7.Fruits
Malty, Nimbo (Citrus) and Amrood (Guavas) are main fruits grown in the district. Besides,

Aam (Mango), Jaman and Kela (Banana) are also grown in minor quantities in the district.

In some areas pomegranates (anaar) and grapes (angoor) are also grown but these fruits are

mostly grown in houses.

3.2.8. Vegetables

Gongalo’un (Turnip), A’alo (Potatoes) and Cauliflower, Cabbage is main vegetables grown
in the district. Besides, Ga’ajar (Carrot), Peas, eggplant (bangan/ bataoan), Ganday
(Onion), Tamator (Tomato), Thoom (Garlic), Marcha’an (Chillies) and Pindi tori
(Ladyfinger) are also grown in the district in minor quantities.

3.2.9. Economy and industry

Industry in developing countries is a significant contributor to growth and prosperity in

economic terms. Agriculture is considered the backbone of economy of countries like

Pakistan. [CITATION Raz14 \p 6 \l 1033 ]

Gujrat is also known for its clay, with which the locals have long produced quality pottery.

The city also produces fine furniture. Over the last few decades, Gujrat has also attained a

name in the manufacture and export of electric fans including GFC fan, Pak Fans, Royal

Fans and Metro Fans. Gujrat is now well known by the trading company of medicines,

(GSM Corporation). Gujrat is also home to one of the two 35 largest shoe manufacturing

companies in Pakistan like there uis a shoe factory named as Service shoes. There are about

many cottage-level and small- to large-scale industrial units operating in the district. Rice

production and export is another major product of Gujrat. There are many other factories

engaged in manufacturing of electrical goods, electric motors and rice cleaning mills. Most

are cottage industries, providing employment to a large number of people. Gujrat district has
the highest percentage of the population abroad compare to any other district in Pakistan.

Gujrat leads in f oreign currency remittances in the country.

In Gujrat, Gujranwala, Lahore and a few other cities, there are now over five hundred fan

manufacturing units running. The majority fell into the cottage industry group, with the

exception of a few. These tiny units come from the backbone of the industry. They provide a

huge number of people with jobs and account for more than 90 percent of the domestic

market all put together.[ CITATION Agr13 \l 1033 ]

3.2.10 Transportation communication

Gujrat, located next to the GT road and main railway route, is directly linked to major cities

such as the country's provincial and central urban centers. The district has a total length of

1019 kilometres of metal paths. The district is connected by metal roads with the districts of

Gujranwala, Jhelum, Mandi Bahauddin. The main Peshawar-Karachi railway line passes

through the district of Gujrat. The district is connected by railway network with the districts

of Jhelum and Gujranwala. Potentially the most brutal city after Karachi, with a murder rate

close to that of Colombia.

3.2.11. Tribes and clans in Gujrat district

The Muslim Gujjars in Pakistan constitute major tribe; in fact, as much as twenty percent of
the entire population of the country
Majority of the people of Gujrat district belongs to different sub-casts of Gujjars . Some
other castes in Gujrat are Rajpoots, Mughals, Jats and Butt and many some other casts
known as working caste like Kumhar, Mirasi, Teli, Lohar, Khohar, Maachi, Naai etc. The
two major casts are Jatts and Gujjars. Both say that they are more prestigious than others.
The major Gujjar clans are khatana Maher Mahrana Kalo Chachi Thikria Tinday and
Paswal. The principal jatt clans are Bagril, Bangial, Badhan, Chadhar, Cheema, Dhillon,
Dhotar Gujjral, Ghumman, Gondal Jat, Heer or Hayer , Hanjra, Kang, Khokhar, Langrial,
Mangat ,Sahi, Sarai, Sipra, Tarar, Sandhu,Siala and Tatla.

3.2.12. Major Castes in Gujrat

Gujjars

Rajpoots Jats Butt Mughals

3.2.13. Education

There are a total of 1,475 government schools in Gujrat district at primary and secondary

level. Of these public schools, 60% (889 schools) are for girls. [ CITATION Pun151 \l 1033 ]

3.2.15. University of Gujrat Now another identity of Gujrat city is U.O.G. (University of

Gujrat) which was built in 2003 during the political era of Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain and

Pervaiz Ilahi. The building structre of this university is amazing. There are different

campuses of U.O.G. located at differen places in Gujrat. Main campus is called ‘Hafiz

Hayat Campus”.

Locale description at micro level

The Dar ul aman of Gujurat is located near Tanki Ground, Murghzar Colony, in House No.

8384. Marghzar Colony is a town in district Gujrat punjab Pakistan. It is about 98 miles (or

158 km) south-east of Islamabad, the capital of the country. Dar ul aman is at 8 minutes’

drive from DHQ hospital and court.

Historical background of dar ul aman Gujrat

It was built in 2005, The Darul Aman and set up in a rented house, and for a long time the

local administration had been seeking funds for the project. A Rs. 40 million fund was

approved by the Punjab government to build a Dar ul Aman Gujrat. Deputy Commissioner

said that the funds had been allocated by the provincial government in the current fiscal year

and that civil work on the project would also be initiated in the current year. A piece of state

land was selected at Kotli Kando in the suburbs of the city, for which the respective

government department which actually owned the land was also approached for allocation.

[ CITATION DAW19 \l 1033 ]. But unfortunately when department started the construction of

building they found that land is not suitable for construction purpose and during process of

finding new place for construction released funds were withdrawal back by government. So,

still there is no permanent building for Dar ul aman.

The building then was used for many reasons, it was often used as a sports team guest house

and sometimes even used for local beggars. The building was used for beggars in early days

during anti begging campaign and they stayed their till rehabilitation process. The in charge

of Dar ul aman were males at the beginning so woman safety and security was quite

notorious. Dar ul aman was shifted to many places. From 2012 to 2017 the post of

superintendent was remained vacant. In 2015, the supervisor and lady wardens were

appointed, which not only made the Dar-ul-aman reliable but also safe and better. Female

superintendent was appointed in August 2017. Because of 2012 incident no female officer

was willing to take in charge of this dar ul aman. Nowadays, post is still vacant from

December 2018.
Entry requirements

The women in Dar-ul-Aman were admitted in various ways. Therefore, some women come

in their own way and some by court order. Without court order, women cannot leave Dar-ul-

Aman on their own and if they try to do so, they give into the hands of families who have

been the primary cause of leaving their homes. In order to enter in dar ul aman permission

from superintendent must be sought then all details of person are noted by Naib Qasid and

mobile and other accessories are submitted on the gate. For security purpose metal detector

is installed and no one is allowed to enter in dar ul aman without passing through it.

Gatekeeper inform in charge and if in charge allow then that person will be sent to Naib

Qasid.

It is considered that self-admitted cases involve a greater risk to staff than court-referred

cases. Employees believe that obtaining a court order eliminates the danger they face when

approached by the resident’s angry and often abusive family members. Within 24 hours after

the women were admitted, Gujrat received court referrals. Often, for other reasons, women

might be rejected.

Building and Amenities

Continued efforts are commendable in order to move DuAs to purpose-built premises. As

most leased spaces appear to be crowded and the separation of residential and administrative

areas is less effective, DuA workers have been demanding purpose-built facilities for a long

time. The biggest challenge is widely recognized as a lack of funds. It is hoped that DuA

will soon be housed in purpose-built premises. Dar ul aman is two story building. Ground
 floor is used for official purposes and first is allocated for residential use. One bed, two bed

sheets, one pillow, one pillow case and one blanket per resident capability is provided. Beds

are provided according to the minimum standards.

Amenities distributed to residents:

Soap is mostly available. There are no dustbins in washrooms and kitchen. Clothing is provided

only for residents on the basis of needs. DuA has computer that is used by the In-Charge,

Assistant In-Charge, or Computer Operator. There is no photocopying machine. Telephones for

use by residents are available and usually present in the In-Charge’s room. Water coolers are

present.

Services provided by dar-ul-aman

Dar-ul-Aman provides a wide variety of services. The number of living women in Dar-ul-

Aman is greater than the real capacity of the building. According to report on women's

mobility and access to health and family planning facilities in Pakistan, respondents of

Gujarat Dar-ul Aman told that they had no work and education facility outside of Dar-ul-

Aman.[ CITATION Kha99 \l 1033 ]. Another research revealed that Residents showed a positive

response during their shelter in Gujarat Dar-ul-Aman. In each interview, they were asked

what they found helpful during their shelter stay. The supportive nature of the staff,

protection, relationships with other residents, and child care were good for residents.

Vocational services (Cutting & Sewing ), Children education, legal services (legal assistance

,legal awareness ,reconciliation ,filing suits ,family counseling ), medical services (medical

treatment health awareness sessions) psychological services (personal counseling ,group

activities ,group session ) are provided. Community meetings are facilitated, in addition to

interpersonal therapy, to raise awareness of well-being and hygiene concerns among

detainees. Dar-ul-Aman do not provide provides training courses but if any women is

interested in doing such courses she is referred to training institutions.

Visiting policy

People are allowed to visit superintendent office after taking permission from

superintendent. Visitors in residential area are not allowed only government officials

including district commissioner are allowed to visit residential area but only in presence of

superintendent.

Food

Food is not much lavish and spicy and it is according to the needs of women as they came

from different regions so it is not possible to fulfil everyone’s wish. Breakfast, lunch,

evening tea and dinner is provided. As position of cook is vacant so women cook for

themselves.
Dress pattern

Shalwar kameez and duppata is mostly worn in dar ul aman. Modest clothing is preferred.

Clothes are provided to women on the basis of need.

Beneficiaries

Total number admissions in Dar ul aman are 595 women and 190 children. 585 women and 182
children are discharged till now. Currently, 10 women and 4 children are resided in dar ul aman.

Staffing

DuA is understaffed in-Charge was transferred on charges of malpractice before 2012. The
Sanatzar is liable for the additional charge provided by the officer and was unable to devote
sufficient time to the DuA. The appointment is a very welcome change. The DuA uses the driver
appointed to the Sanatzar, but this is only possible since the additional charge of the DuA was
given to the manager of the Sanatzar. Present staff members are psychologist (BS-17), Computer
Operator (BS-12), Supervisor (BS-09), Driver (BS-2), religious instructor (BS-8) Chowkidar and
sweeper. Positons of Superintendent, accountant, cook are vacant.

Advisory & Complaints Management Committees

The Advisory Committee includes,representatives of the agencies concerned, such as the police

or education agencies, the medical superintendent of the health department, a representative of

the District Bar Association, influential members of the local community engaged in business

and/or philanthropy, and the DuA In-Charge. Gujrat DUA lacks Advisory & Complaints

Management Committee.

Security

New enhanced security measures, in particular round-the-clock police and private company

armed security, and CCTV cameras have ensured that the majority of DuAs are better protected

and significantly improved the protection of women citizens. The height of the boundary walls of

the DuA is not aligned with the minimum requirements. The back wall of DuA was found to be

broken. The main entrance gate was often locked with the keys being kept by the Guards or In-

Charge.

Challenges

Recent anthropological study again documented a lack of gender sensitization and awareness

among staff and police of Shelter Homes to the issues faced by violence survivors. A 2007

survey by MdM found that the lack of freedom of movement and respect was the most pressing

problem identified by women residing in DuA. In particular, the concerns raised by a lawyer in

Gujrat are that (a) the excessive number of lawyers in the pool is ineffective and (b) the current

system of selection by the District Bar instead of the local DuA administration is not sufficient

because district Bar President Instead of determining their strengths and suitability for this
position, the prefers to nominate lawyers who have helped him win the bar council elections.

[CITATION Wom16 \l 1033 ]

Other shelter homes in Punjab

Many women have considered Dar-ul-Aman as a place of protection because they are

already scared of their parents or husbands who have proclaimed "kari" to them and want to

murder them. Dar-ul-Aman is simply an organization that, for many reasons, protects

women who are deprived of family support. Its aim is to rehabilitate vulnerable women after

the decision of the cases by organizing, settling or marriages, or to assist in their certain life

affairs. There are may Dar-ul-Aman in each district in Pakistan and almost all of them

remain overcrowded by oppressed women. The number of females exceeds their actual

ability in each Dar-ul-Aman. Multan's Dar-ul-Aman, for instance, is made for 30 women,

but there are more than 80 of them are loaded with 35 inmates while in Sahiwal Room for

15. In Lahore, Dar-ul-Aman and other towns, the same situation exists. [ CITATION Aza13 \l

1033 ]

Dar ul aman was founded to provide shelter for women suffering from domestic violence by

the Social Welfare Department. Over time, Dar-Ul-Aman has extended its network to all 36

Punjab districts. In Punjab women shelter homes are located at Lahore, Bhawalangar, Kasur,

Bahawalpur, Khushab, Chiniot, DG khan Toba tek singh, Vehari, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, ,

Muzzafargarh, Attock, Multan, Mianwali, Sialkot, Sahiwal and Faisalabad.

Short brief history of Women Shelter Home (Dar-ul-Aman) Gujrat.

The 51% Population out of total population of country is women population, which is

deprived of basic rights. Government is framing & implementing policies, plans and

programs to meet the needs of women. Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department Punjab

established Dar-ul-Aman in all

Districts of the Punjab to protect the Women in distress. Dar-ul-Aman Gujrat was

established in 2005. It is located at Bhimber Road Gujrat near Kachehri Chok.

Objectives of the institution

• To provide immediate boarding and lodging facilities for

runaway/disadvantage Women/ Girls in distress.

• To provide medical relief the “Residents”.

 • To provide legal assistance to “Residents” in District.
• To provide counseling and guidance to the “Residents” beneficiaries.
• To impart training in marketable skills to the “Residents” so as to enable
them engage themselves in self-improvement after their release from Shelter
Home.

• To provide recreational facilities during their stay.

• To impart recreational facilities during their stay.
• To impart religious training and advocate, Social and Religious values.
• To make matrimonial arrangements for destitute and parentless girls staying
in Shelter Home.

Rescue training session at DUA Gujrat

Beneficiaries

Admission Discharge Present

Year Women Children Women Children Women Children

Up to date 595 190 585 182 10 04

Staff position

Sr. # Name of Post BPS Sanctioned Filled Vacant

1 Superintendent 17 1 -- 1
2 Psychologist 17 1 1 --
3 Computer Operator 12 1 1 --
4 Assistant, cum Accountant 11 1 -- 1
5 Warden 11 1 1 --
6 Supervisor 09 1 1 --
7 Handicraft Teacher 8 1 -- 1
8 Religious Instructor 8 1 1 --
9 Driver 5 1 -- 1
10 Naib Qasid 2 2 2 --
11 Cook 1 1 -- 1
12 Chowkidar 1 1 1 --
13 Sweeper 2 1 1 --
TOTAL 14 9 5

Chart of services running

Social Work/ Skills Medical Legal Psychological

Cutting & Sewing Medical treatment Legal Assistance Personal Counseling
Religious Education Health Awareness Legal Awareness Group activities
Child Education sessions Reconciliation Group Session
Filing Suits
Family Counseling
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