Zubair Qureshi
The Ministry of Law and Justice, in collaboration with the UK-Pakistan Serious Crime and Law Enforcement (UPSCALE) programme, organized a panel discussion to increase awareness of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial), Act 2021.
The event featured experts with experience in implementing the Anti-Rape Act and dealing with cases of gender-based violence. The session was inaugurated by Federal Secretary for Law and Justice, Raja Naeem Akbar and chaired by Sen Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the Anti-Rape Special Committee.
Notable experts from law enforcement and civil society included GhulamSarwarNihung, Prosecutor General ICT, Dr. InamWaheed Khan, DIG Police and Advisor UPSCALE, Barrister Usama Malik, Director, Directorate of Legal Education Pakistan, and NidaAly, Executive Director of the AsmaJehangir Legal Aid Cell.
They provided perspectives on the challenges police, prosecution and lawyers face in ensuring justice for women in gender-based violence cases. Zainab Mustafa, member of the Special Committee, and Community Protection Advisor at UPSCALE concluded the plenary session by highlighting the government’s commitment to improving investigation and trial of gender-based violence crimes.
In his opening statement, the Secretary Law and Justice, Raja Naeem Akbar stated, “This seminar aims to create awareness on the rights of the citizens under the Anti-Rape Act, 2021. In future, I hope to see continued commitment from the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Special Committee, and all those present today towards creating a society where fundamental human rights are protected especially for the most vulnerable groups.”
In her keynote address Ayesha RazaFarooq acknowledged the significant new initiatives under the Act for combating sexual violence and ensuring justice for survivors. She emphasised the critical need for improving the response to rising instances of sexual violence in society and called for a holistic government approach to ensure implementation of the Anti-Rape Act. She called for the creation of “a society where justice prevails, and survivors of sexual violence receive the support and protection they need.”
