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Saturday October 12, 2024

2023 saw 10,201 domestic violence cases in Punjab

Documents shared by Punjab Police revealed that more than 10,201 cases of domestic violence against women were reported in Punjab in 2023 alone

By Asim Yasin
August 29, 2024
A representational image showing women carrying a placard against violence at a protest. — AFP/File
A representational image showing women carrying a placard against violence at a protest. — AFP/File

ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights has expressed deep concern over 10,201 cases of domestic violence against women reported in Punjab in 2023.

The committee called for the establishment of a national, updated database on crimes against women and children under the Ministry of Human Rights.

The committee’s meeting, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, took place at the Parliament House on Wednesday. During the session, Senator Zehri voiced her serious concerns about the rising number of crimes against women and children in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Documents shared by Punjab Police revealed that more than 10,201 cases of domestic violence against women were reported in Punjab in 2023 alone. Additionally, data submitted by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Police showed a conviction rate of only 2-5 percent in cases involving crimes against women and children.

Senator Zehri engaged in extensive discussions with the prosecution and police authorities from the respective provinces to develop proposals to address the gaps in their investigation and prosecution procedures.

During the meeting, Punjab DIG Investigation Monitoring presented data about sexual abuse, murder, rape, acid attacks and domestic violence from January 2021 to 2024.

Senator Zehri, along with other committee members, noted a lack of clarity in the data presented and emphasized the importance of accurate and consistent information.

Senator Zehri also highlighted several disturbing cases, including the abuse of a minor on August 22, 2024, within the premises of Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore. She criticised the authorities for often claiming that domestic violence cases fall outside their jurisdiction when an FIR is filed, stressing that every case should be treated as a priority.

Referring to the brutal murder of two sisters in Gujrat, who were assaulted for refusing forced marriages, as well as other cases of acid attacks, the disappearance of a four-year-old girl, and an alleged rape case, Senator Zehri condemned these incidents as a disgrace to humanity. She further criticised the prosecution for often defending criminals rather than seeking justice.

Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, the Federal Minister for Law, Justice, and Human Rights, acknowledged the chairperson’s concerns and emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the entire system.

The committee also discussed the “National Commission on the Rights of Child (Amendment) Bill, 2023.” Senator Dr Zarqa Suharwardy stressed the importance of monitoring children’s activities across various sectors, highlighting that safeguarding children’s rights is a shared objective among the committee members.

Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), reported significant progress in compiling data and collaborating with relevant authorities to ensure the provision of necessary information.

She also mentioned the coordination with Meta International and the launch of an app called “Take It Down,” designed specifically for children under 18 years of age. “Take It Down” is a free service aimed at obstructing obscene content.The committee also engaged in an extensive discussion on the sharing of data from the provinces under the 18th Amendment. Senator Zehri clarified that the 18th Amendment does not prohibit the sharing of such data and criticised provincial authorities for taking these matters lightly, leading to inconsistencies in reported data. She lamented that such negligence amounts to a crime against humanity.

Moreover, the committee members unanimously agreed to re-nominate Senator Liaqat Khan Tarakai as a member of the Senior Citizens Council.