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Islamabad: The Anti-Rape Special Committee held a thorough review of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021 at the Ministry of Law and Justice, evaluating the progress of key initiatives aimed at supporting survivors of sexual violence and enhancing legal frameworks. The meeting, chaired by Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, focused on the National Sex Offender’s Register, survivor support structures, and policy improvements.
According to a statement by Press Information Department, the meeting included representatives from PEMRA, NADRA, the National Police Bureau (NPB), provincial Home Departments, and other stakeholders. The NPB reported a significant milestone with the installation of hardware for the Sex Offenders Register (SOR) at its Gender Crime Cell. This initiative is expected to bolster investigation and prosecution efforts in sexual violence cases.
Data from the Ministry of Law and Justice indicated improvements in the availability and use of Anti-Rape Crisis Cells (ARCCs), with notable progress in Punjab and Islamabad. These improvements have led to increased referrals of serious sexual violence cases to ARCCs, providing better support services for survivors.
The session also addressed policy proposals by Zainab Mustafa, a Community Protection Advisor at UPSCALE, aimed at enhancing the legal framework for sex offender management. The recommendations emphasized expanding the SOR to include offenders from other jurisdictions and strengthening post-release monitoring and restrictions to reduce reoffending risks.
Provincial Home Departments committed to further coordination between police and ARCCs, aiming to enhance support for survivors of sexual violence. Participants acknowledged the importance of the data-driven policy recommendations and agreed to offer feedback in future consultations.
The Chairperson concluded by emphasizing the need for a coordinated and sustained effort among stakeholders to address existing challenges and ensure the protection of vulnerable members of society.
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