during past 10 years, 153 cases were registered under Women Protection Act 2006. “Among the total number of registered cases, only 4 convictions were made which shows the state of the implementation of laws in the country,” she added.
Senator Farhat Ullah Baur suggested NCSW to form a national register to catalogue crime against women and to lobby for the establishment of special public prosecutor for crime against women. He said that women are the worst victim of security related and faith driven violence.
Secretary MoHR Rabiya Javeri Agha talked about the measures taken by the government to address violence against women. “Pakistan has a strong legislative framework for the protection and enforcement of human rights. In addition, the government has formulated a draft National Policy Framework for promotion and protection and human rights Helpline 1099 has been established for legal advice to the victims of human rights violations. We have women police stations, women banks, women complaint cells and women are performing in all sectors of the society,” she said adding that men must come forward as agents of change,” she said.
Omer Aftab said that violence against women is a global phenomenon affecting 1 in 3 women, and Pakistan is no exception. As the world observes 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this day also marks the start of the “16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence” lasting until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Deputy Representative, UN Women Pakistan Sangeeta Thapa shared that UN Women wants to see elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls so that women and girls are not discriminated against, and are able to live a life of dignity and respect, which is violence free. “UN Women acknowledges the important role held by Pakistani men and boys in taking unified stand to prevent and end violence against women and girls,” she added. The event ended with the lighting of candles and signing of the pledge by the guests.