Law officer’s comments sought over plea to reform rape investigations

The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Monday directed the provincial law officer to file comments on a petition seeking reforms in the investigation process of sexual assault cases.

Petitioners Kainat Soomro and others submitted that the Supreme Court of Pakistan had directed the provincial government and other authorities to reform the procedure of investigating rape cases, but the directions of the apex court were not being complied with.

The petitioners maintained that justice alluded rape survivors due to a faulty process of investigation.

The petitioners, who have also cited the provincial police chief and health secretary as respondents asked the court to direct the respondents to take immediate measures to improve the process of investigation.

They further asked the court to direct the authorities to establish a Rape Crisis Cell in all districts across the province so that rape survivors could get immediate medical, financial and legal assistance.

The provincial law officer sought time on behalf of the Sindh government submitting that the government was making efforts to introduce amendments to laws concerning rape.