Role of police in curtailing harassment against women discussed

Islamabad:Need to amend Article 509 of the law was stressed at a seminar organised to discuss role of police in curtailing harassment against women on Monday, to enhance the punishment for women harassers.

Speaking on this occasion, ASP Police Amna Baig suggested that harassment suspects should be sentenced to a minimum of three years. She said that until the accused are punished, the accused will continue to harass women.

The seminar was organised by Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO). AIG Islamabad Dr. Naveed Atif attended the seminar as a special guest. Shields were distributed by Islamabad Police and SSDO at the end of the event.

Addressing the function, AIG Islamabad Dr.Naveed Atif said that Islamabad Police is busy working for the welfare of the people. He said harassment of women in workplace is a serious problem and it is increasing over time and it is very important to overcome the problem immediately.

SSP Islamabad, Omar Khan said that along with guidance at the level of each police station, assistance is also provided to the applicant. He said the police need to be empowered to address these issues effectively.

Addressing the seminar, ASP Police Amna Baig said that there should be a proper law for such crimes in the criminal justice system. "The problem is not only that the accused are arrested but the problem is that the accused are released on bail the day after the arrest," she says d adding that the primary purpose of the police is to protect women and people on the streets. She said that the Gender Protection Unit has received 131 complaints from women in a month, of which 81per cent have been processed and the rest are being processed.

Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director, SSDO, said that parliamentarians should include police officers in legislation so that those who harass women can be punished. A few days ago, the SSDO, in collaboration with the police, made suggestions for police reforms.