SHC issues notices on plea to implement rape trial law

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court has issued notices to the Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister, Federal Secretary of Law, Interior secretary, Sindh home secretary, chief secretary, IG Sindh and DG NADRA on a petition to implement the Anti-Rape Trial and Investigation Act 2021.

The moved the court to seek implementation of the Act related to the incidents of gang rape and sexual abuse of girls in the province.

A two member judge bench headed by Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro heard the petition seeking implementation of the Anti-Rape Trial and Investigation Act, 2021 in Sindh related to gang rape and sexual abuse of girls.

Advocate Tariq Mansoor stated that incidents happen daily due to the non-implementation of the law. In recent days, many tragic incidents occurred in many areas. A law has been made for gang rape trials, but it is not being implemented, which is why cases of sexual assault are taking place. Instructions should be given to prevent incidents and ensure speedy and transparent trials.

The court issued notices to the Principal Secretary of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Federal Secretary of Law, Federal Secretary of Interior, Chief Secretary, Secretary of Law, IG Sindh and DG NADRA on the request for an urgent hearing of the application and asked the parties to respond by January 19. The court ordered the police to submit a reply in any case at the next hearing.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 6^th, 2023.