First gender-based violence court inaugurated

Around 100 cases have been transferred to the court in the first phase as a test

LAHORE: In our society, women are the weakest segment of society because they are not only economically dependent, but also tortured physically and mentally, said Lahore High Court Chief Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.

He was addressing judges and lawyers while inaugurating the first gender-based violence court set up in the district and sessions court. The purpose was to deal with cases related to violence against women.



The chief justice said the women were facing a lot of problems in our society. “They face similar problems in the courts. Our system has failed to provide them an atmosphere where litigants feel secure,” CJ Shah underlined

He went on to ask where could these litigants go if they did not feel secure in courts and were disappointed over the dispensation of justice. “If women feel safe and secure, they will be able to record their statements peacefully and can raise a voice in the court.”



Shah said one out of three women in the province of Punjab suffered physical and mental torture. “I dedicate this day to our mothers, sisters and daughters who are nearly 50% of our population.”

The chief justice said the gender-based violence court has been established on the directions of the Supreme Court.

More than 400 cases of the aforementioned nature were being heard in different city courts.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 24^th, 2017.