ZUBAIR QURESHI
\nISLAMABAD
\nThe National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has called for immediate, effective and result-oriented police action to curb the alarming rise in violence, rape, murder, harassment and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls across the country.
\nThe demand was made at a high-level meeting chaired by NCSW Chairperson Ms. Noureen Bano Lehri and attended by senior police officials from across Pakistan to review the deteriorating situation and measures required to strengthen prevention, investigation and prosecution of GBV cases.
\nThe Chairperson expressed grave concern over a number of recent cases, including those involving Hina Javed, Ayat Noor and Asma Jattak, as well as cases reported in Sindh, including the deaths of three-year-old Kulsoom Mohammed Qasim and 18-month-old Aizal in Karachi. The Commission also expressed concern over the reported sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in Shikarpur.
\nMs. Lehri directed police authorities to ensure swift, transparent and merit-based investigations into every case involving violence against women and girls, coupled with effective prosecution and timely justice.
\nShe made it clear that every case should be pursued to its logical conclusion and that negligence, unnecessary delay or failure in investigation would not be tolerated.
\nThe Commission called for the establishment of special courts or dedicated judicial mechanisms for GBV cases to ensure speedy disposal and prevent prolonged delays in the delivery of justice.
\nIt also directed police departments to enhance patrolling, surveillance and preventive measures in areas where women and girls face threats, both inside and outside their homes. Women should be provided greater awareness of police services, complaint mechanisms and emergency avenues through which they can seek immediate protection and relief.
\nThe NCSW further called for effective monitoring of madaris, schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions to prevent harassment, abuse and violence. It stressed the need for comprehensive GBV awareness and prevention programmes for students, with particular focus on educating boys and young men to become responsible citizens rather than perpetrators or harassers.
\nThe Commission directed specialised training and capacity building for police officers, investigation officers, doctors, prosecutors, judicial officers and prison staff to ensure gender-sensitive handling of GBV cases and survivors.
\nIt also stressed that investigation officers dealing with GBV cases must be adequately trained and should not be unnecessarily transferred, removed or burdened with additional responsibilities while critical investigations are in progress.
\nThe NCSW called for strict action against illegal jirgas and enhanced surveillance to prevent unlawful parallel mechanisms from undermining women\u2019s rights, due process and access to justice.
\nThe Commission also directed that case-to-case GBV data be shared and reviewed on a monthly basis. All Inspector Generals of Police were asked to provide regular updates on investigations, prosecution, pending cases, challenges, capacity-building initiatives and concrete measures being taken to control violence against women and girls.
\nIt further directed effective linkage of the NCSW Complaint Management System (CMS) with police leadership to ensure timely referral, response and follow-up of complaints. The IGPs were urged to maintain direct coordination with Women Development Departments and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women to strengthen protection and referral mechanisms.
\nThe meeting also reviewed the situation of women prisoners. The Commission directed special monitoring of their welfare, protection and rehabilitation and called for equal compensation for women prisoners engaged in productive or vocational labour.
\nThe NCSW stressed that women prisoners should not be paid less than male prisoners for comparable work and should be provided education, vocational and skills training, financial literacy and rehabilitation support to help them rebuild dignified and independent lives after release.
\nThe meeting was attended by SSP Investigations Punjab Khurram Shehzad, DIG Crimes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Hussain, SSP Kamar Rizvi from Sindh and Additional Inspector General (Operations) Balochistan Shahzad Akbar, besides other senior police representatives from federal entities.
\nReiterating that the protection and safety of women and girls was a non-negotiable responsibility of the state, Ms. Lehri said the cases of Hina Javed, Ayat Noor, Asma Jattak, Kulsoom Mohammed Qasim, Aizal and other victims must not become mere statistics.
\nShe said these cases should instead serve as a catalyst for urgent institutional reforms, stronger prevention mechanisms and effective justice.
\n\u201cThere can be no compromise on the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of women and girls,\u201d the Chairperson said, stressing that negligence, weak investigation, unnecessary delays and impunity would not be accepted.
\nShe called upon all institutions to deliver measurable and result-oriented action to stop the surge in gender-based violence, protect survivors and ensure justice.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ZUBAIR QURESHI ISLAMABAD The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) has called for immediate, effective and result-oriented police action to curb the alarming rise in violence, rape, murder, harassment and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls across the country. The demand was made at a high-level meeting chaired by […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":564967,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-564986","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-national"],"yoast_head":"\n