The Ministry of Human Rights, Government of Pakistan, in collaboration with UN Women, has successfully completed the renovation of the Family Protection and Rehabilitation Center for Women in Islamabad. This initiative aims to provide GBV survivors with a safe, confidential, and respectful environment offering quality and integrated services.
To mark the completion of the project, the Ministry of Human Rights hosted an inauguration ceremony attended by senior government officials, development partners, diplomatic representatives, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
Speaking at the event, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, Mr. Abdul Khalique Sheikh, stated:
"This center is not just a building, it is a sanctuary where survivors of violence can find protection, dignity, and hope. The Ministry of Human Rights firmly believes that addressing gender-based violence is not merely a legal or institutional challenge, it is fundamentally about protecting human dignity and promoting equality. As a state, we are committed to adopting a comprehensive national strategy against GBV and ensuring complete support for survivors, whether through legal aid, psychosocial counseling, healthcare, or social protection. We appreciate the cooperation of UN Women and all our partners in turning this vision into reality."
UN Women Country Representative Mr. Jamshed Qazi also addressed the gathering:
"The renovation of the Family Protection and Rehabilitation Center is not merely an infrastructure upgrade, it is a critical link in the broader support system for survivors of gender-based violence. When such initiatives are coupled with legal reforms, institutional capacity building, and community engagement, they can lead to systemic transformation. Our vision is for every survivor across Pakistan to have access to quality and coordinated services that uphold their dignity and rights."*
Following the renovation, the center now includes several vital services, such as private counseling rooms, modern medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, and secure referral systems, all provided under one roof to ensure comprehensive support and empowerment for survivors at every stage.
Gender-based violence remains a grave human rights concern globally. According to UN Women, one in three women worldwide experiences some form of GBV in her lifetime. In Pakistan alone, more than 63,000 GBV cases were reported between 2020 and 2023, with the majority involving domestic violence. These figures likely underrepresent the actual situation, as many survivors remain silent due to stigma, fear of retaliation, or lack of access to support services.
In this context, centers like the Family Protection and Rehabilitation Center, operated under the Ministry of Human Rights, play a pivotal role, providing survivors with timely, dignified, and effective support, enabling them to rebuild their lives with confidence, safety, and hope.
