WPC expresses concern at rise in cases of violence against girls

Islamabad: Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) on Sunday expressed deep concern on rise in the cases of violence against girls in the country.

In a statement issued by WPC to condemn death of a girl from Murree who recently succumbed to burn injuries, Caucus urged the law enforcement agencies to come up with an effective implementation mechanism of existing laws so that no such crime can ever be committed again in future.

“The National Assembly passed a resolution on the increasing incidents of gender violence after the Abbottabad incident. It is heartbreaking to note that only after a few weeks, again a 19-year-old girl, a resident of Murree, succumbed to burn injuries after being set on fire for refusing a marriage proposal,” said the statement.

The statement mentions that it is alarming to witness such incidents on the rise in Pakistan, throughout the country. “Despite numerous laws passed to protect women, it is concerning to note that such heinous crimes are on the rise which calls for further effort on the part of the government as well as the society,” said that statement.

“We see this happening because laws of the land are not implemented in letter and spirit. Furthermore, law enforcement agencies neither realise the gravity of the situation nor they are aware of women related laws,” the statement mentions further.

WPC Secretary Shaista Pervez Malik called the responsible departments to take immediate measures for effective implementation of the laws and to criminalise ‘jirgas’ and ‘panchayats’. She also emphasised for stern action against the culprits.