LHC deplores non-implementation of Anti-Rape Act

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court on Monday expressed its displeasure over the non-appearance of Attorney General of Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan and the non-serious attitude of the bureaucracy in a case related to the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021.

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, termed anti-rape legislation a "most serious issue", adding that the nation was "being destroyed" due to non-implementation of its laws.

In earlier proceedings, the bench had summoned the attorney general in person. However, he failed to ensure his appearance before the court on Monday.

As the proceedings commenced, CJ Neelum inquired whether the AGP had appeared before the court. The additional attorney general informed the bench that he was currently busy in the Supreme Court.

At this, Justice Farooq Haider remarked, "Do we not have anything else to do?" He added that if the AGP was occupied, the court should have been informed in time.

At one point, CJ Neelum asked why the report on anti-rape implementation was being submitted by the law ministry, noting that the report should instead be submitted through the additional attorney general.