QUETTA: The Legal Aid Society, in collaboration with the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Balo­chistan government, and the United Nations Popu­­lation Fund (UNFPA), hosted a pivotal consultation to strengthen the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, and establish Anti-Rape Crisis Cells in Balochistan.

They underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration, uniting government officials, legal experts, and key stakeholders to address challenges and develop survivor-centric strategies.

Discussions focused on barriers to implementing the Act and the operational requirements for ARCCs, which aim to provide medical, psychological, and legal sup-port to survivors of sexual violence.

The event commenced with remarks by UNFPA programme coordinator Sadia Atta.

She expressed the hope that with input of stakeholders and supporters, a proper action plan would be developed, which would help UNFPA and the health department of Balochistan move forward.

Federal Law Secretary Raja Naeem Akbar said, “Coordination between the federal and provincial governments is essential, and we are committed to doing whatever is necessary to strengthen it.” Further support came from health secretary Mujeebur Rehman Panizai, who reaffirmed, “The health department is committed to bridging the gaps in support systems for survivors and ensuring they receive the care and assistance they need.”

Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat advocated for robust legal foundations, “While it is often believed that the implementation of laws is lacking, we must also recognize the need to strengthen the very foundation of these laws. I strongly support the establishment of ARCCs in Balochistan and remain committed to ensuring their effective creation and operation.”

Javed Raza Sultan of the law ministry led the session on legal requirements and reflected, “A more victim-centric, suspect-focused and context-led approach will ensure desired result under the Anti-Rape Act, 2021.”

Dr Summaya Syed-Tariq, member of the special anti-rape committee, said, “Creating a sustainable and contextual multi-sectoral model is essential, and this begins with leveraging the resources we already have. To make meaningful progress, we must prioritise data integrity and develop evidence-based solutions that address the entire process from start to finish.”

Maliha Zia of the Legal Aid Society highlighted the importance of a survivor-first appro­ach in addressing sexual violence.

Published in Dawn, November 24th, 2024