Imran Khan-led government sets up anti-rape crisis cells

ISLAMABAD: In the wake of rising cases of rape, assault and sexual abuse in Pakistan, the Imran Khan-led government has decided to set up anti-rape crisis cells in every district of the country. As per the notification issued by the Federal Ministry of Law, a 42-member Anti-Rape Ordinance Implementation Committees has been constituted, which will oversee the establishment of these cells.

Representatives from the Ministries of Human Rights, Health, Interior, the National Database Registration Authority (NADRA) and the provincial forensic agencies are also going to be a part of the committee. As per details shared by the Law Ministry, the crisis cells will be led by the districts' respective Deputy Commissioners and will assist the rape victims.

The development comes in the wake of decision taken by the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases during November 2020, which approved two ordinances to introduce strict punishments for sex offenders, including chemical castration, and setting up special courts for rape cases.

"The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Ordinance 2020 and the Criminal Law (Amendment) Ordinance 2020 introduce the concept of chemical castration mainly in form of rehabilitation," a statement issued by the Law Ministry said.

"The two state-of-the-art pieces of legislation are in line with the Constitutional guarantees of Pakistan, as also the International treaties." The Ministry added that the special courts would be established to conduct trial in rape cases. (IANS)

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