The Ministry of Human Rights in collaboration with United Nations Pakistan and its member agencies including UN Women, UNDP, UNICEF, UNFPA, IOM and others, marked the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence with a national event at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). The event brought together federal and provincial representatives, UN officials, development partners, civil society organisations, youth, media, artists and digital rights advocates.
Addressing the gathering, Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly the growing threat of digital violence.
Highlighting this year’s global theme, “UNiTE to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” the Minister noted that Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation has expanded opportunities in education, innovation and public participation, but has also led to new risks such as cyberstalking, impersonation, online harassment, deepfake manipulation, extortion and hate speech.
“Digital violence is real, and its impact is profound,” he said. “Women and girls across all sectors, from universities and workplaces to politics and media, encounter online abuse every day. Many hesitate to participate publicly due to fear, stigma or complex reporting systems. This must change, and we are committed to changing it.”
The Minister reaffirmed the Government’s zero-tolerance stance on violence against women, underscoring Pakistan’s international commitments and the continued strengthening of national protections. He highlighted legal reforms including the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act 2022, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020 and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, as well as essential support mechanisms such as the National Commission on the Status of Women, the Family Protection Centre and the 1099 Helpline. He also noted ongoing collaboration with technology companies, including Meta, to enhance online safety tools, improve reporting mechanisms and strengthen safeguards that protect women and children from harmful content.
He further highlighted progress on the National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women, both of which will establish a comprehensive, survivor-centred and zero-tolerance framework for prevention, protection and accountability.
He also emphasised that prevention and awareness are central to long-term change. The Government continues to work closely with educational institutions, youth networks and community organisations to promote digital literacy, responsible online conduct and safer online engagement, particularly among young women and men.
