Senate panel agrees to stengthen police role in sex offenders registration

Islamabad:The Senate's Anti-Rape Special Committee on Friday agreed to strengthen the police's role in enforcing the sex offenders register initiative and broaden the legal framework to better manage and monitor sex offenders in the country.

The committee members, including chairperson Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, who met at the law and justice ministry here, believed that the expansion of the police's role would involve utilising the capabilities of various agencies, based on thorough risk assessments and alignment with international best practices.

They insisted that the goal was to create a more effective system for monitoring, managing, and reducing the risks posed by convicted sex offenders. The sex offenders register was launched late last year by the law and justice ministry in collaboration with Nadra and the National Police Bureau to track convicted offenders following their release, aiming to improve public safety and assist in the investigation and prosecution of sexual offences.

The Anti-Rape Special Committee was formed to oversee implementation of the entire legal framework for sexual violence, including the development and implementation of the sex offenders register.

During the committee's meeting, the members emphasised the importance of collaboration among multiple stakeholders, including law enforcement, prosecution agencies, prison authorities, and immigration authorities.

They unanimously decided that those stakeholders would work together to develop a comprehensive and multi-faceted framework that aimed to strengthen the oversight and rehabilitation of sex offenders, ensuring public safety and minimizing repeat offenses.

They agreed to send the proposed amendments to the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, and recommendations to the Ministry of Law and Justice for effective sex offender management in line with the government's commitment to protecting vulnerable people and upholding justice.

The members said the committee was committed to fostering a safer and more just environment for all citizens by ensuring that convicted sex offenders are properly monitored and rehabilitated according to international standards.