The 13th meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Human Rights conducted a comprehensive review of the National Commission on the Status of Women's (NCSW) performance, government initiatives for women's protection, measures to prevent rape, and the status of implementing previous recommendations.
Committee Chairperson Asiya Naz Tanoli presided over the meeting, with Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry serving as co-chair.
The NCSW briefed the committee that its multi-channel complaint management system has been operational for the past five months, with consultants receiving specialized training with support from Rozan to ensure effective grievance redressal. The committee was informed that gender-disaggregated data continues to be updated on the National Gender Data Portal to support evidence-based policymaking and research. The first Gender Parity Report has already been published and will be expanded to the provincial level in the next phase.
The committee further learned that the NCSW has organized three media engagement seminars so far, training journalists on sensitive, dignified, and responsible reporting of rape and gender-based violence cases.
The Ministry of Human Rights briefed the committee that in response to an increase in reported gender-based violence cases between 2022 and 2024, special investigation units and women and child protection units have been further strengthened. Officers have received specialized training, and the complaint redressal mechanism is being enhanced to ensure timely support for victims.
Speaking on the occasion, Barrister Danyal stressed the importance of awareness and clear legal interpretation regarding harassment. He said awareness campaigns against harassment should be conducted across all public and private institutions to ensure every individual understands their rights, responsibilities, and legal boundaries.
He added that there should be no ambiguity in the legal definition of harassment so that both complainants and the accused are fully aware of their rights and obligations under the law.
Barrister Danyal also recommended enhanced publicity for the Ministry of Human Rights' 1099 helpline and the 1121 child helpline through pamphlets, print media, and other channels to maximize public access to these services.
Committee member Shahida Rahmani proposed that a rape case be presented as a case study to the committee, enabling the formulation of actionable recommendations for the National Assembly.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights informed the meeting that fee-less trial systems for rape victims exist in several countries, and suggested that Pakistan examine the feasibility of implementing such a system to ensure safe, dignified, and accessible justice for victims.
