A welcome development

The violent acts against women in Pakistan are often nothing short of horrific. Amongst crimes which get reported regularly are acid attacks, burning, maiming, beatings and murder. Yet by their very prevalence these crimes have become accepted parts of society. The lack of legislation and implementation of said legislation to punish these atrocities have also contributed to this situation in which women do not have the means or inclination to seek justice. When they do attempt it, they are thwarted by law enforcement which seems more inclined to hound the victim rather than to catch the criminals. This is why Pakistan is amongst the most dangerous places in the world for women. But it appears that the wind of change is finally blowing, albeit slowly. After the enactment of the Women’s Protection Bill 2016, which caused much consternation in more conservative and inflammatory sections of society, a women’s crises center has been set up in Multan as part of its implementation plan.

The centre which according to authorities will be up and running by the end of the month will have an all female staff and will provide such services as first aid, medical examination, facilitation in obtaining legal counsel and post rehabilitation for victims of violence. This is a heartening development and it is hoped that the services provided at the center will encourage more women to seek help to perhaps finally put a stop to the epidemic of violence. Every year thousands of cases of various forms of crimes against women are reported in Punjab alone and there is a dire need for such crises centres to be established in other cities as well. Only time will tell what impact this will have on well-being of women in south Punjab but this is positive step in the right direction, one which was long overdue. Other provinces should follow Punjab’s lead in this matter. There is after all no time like the present to start paying attention to half the population of this country, whose needs and basic human rights have been ignored for far too long already. 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 5^th, 2016.

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