Key recommendations included extending the scope of the National Sex Offender’s Register to include offenders convicted abroad, enhancing monitoring and restrictions on released offenders, and implementing risk assessment tools to prevent recidivism.
Pakistan’s Senate-appointed Anti-Rape Special Committee held a critical review of the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, during a session at the Ministry of Law and Justice. The meeting, chaired by Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, brought together members of the Special Committee, along with representatives from PEMRA, NADRA, the National Police Bureau (NPB), provincial Home Departments, and other key stakeholders.
The session focused on three core areas: the establishment of the National Sex Offender’s Register (SOR), the performance of specialized support structures for survivors of sexual violence, and policy measures to enhance the Act’s implementation.
The National Police Bureau provided an update on the SOR, marking the installation of necessary hardware at the Gender Crime Cell at NPB as a major milestone. The Bureau revealed that data for 94 per cent of eligible cases recorded between January 1 and November 30, 2024, had been collected but awaited integration into the SOR due to pending software updates. NADRA committed to expediting technical support to ensure timely completion.
The Ministry of Law and Justice presented notable progress in the establishment and utilization of Anti-Rape Crisis Cells (ARCCs). Punjab and Islamabad showed significant improvement, with increased referrals of sexual violence cases to ARCCs, resulting in enhanced survivor support services. Provincial Home Departments pledged to address existing gaps and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and ARCCs to improve service delivery.
Much Work Remains
Policy recommendations were also discussed, with Ms. Zainab Mustafa, Community Protection Advisor at UPSCALE and committee member, presenting data-driven proposals for bolstering Pakistan’s legal framework to combat sexual violence. Key recommendations included extending the scope of the SOR to include offenders convicted abroad, enhancing monitoring and restrictions on released offenders, and implementing risk assessment tools to prevent recidivism.
Participants expressed appreciation for these evidence-based proposals, agreeing to review them further in the next consultation session.
Chairperson Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq concluded the meeting by commending the progress made and urging sustained efforts to address remaining challenges. “While we acknowledge the advancements, much work remains to ensure a robust response to sexual violence. The protection of vulnerable members of our society must remain our collective priority,” she stated.
The session underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to strengthening Pakistan’s response to sexual violence through improved legislation, better survivor support systems, and robust offender management mechanisms. The ongoing implementation of the Anti-Rape Act, 2021, remains a crucial step toward creating a safer and more just society.
Image: Hippopx
