In a landmark development in Pakistan’s ongoing battle against sexual and gender-based violence, the inauguration of the first Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC) in Islamabad marks a pivotal moment.
A collaborative effort involving Pakistan’s Ministry of Health, Ministry of Law and Justice, the Government of the United Kingdom, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Legal Aid Society, the ARCC stands as a groundbreaking initiative that demands replication in other districts nationwide, bringing the country closer to elevated human rights standards.
The ARCC is a tangible manifestation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, representing a significant stride towards justice for survivors. By streamlining medico-legal assistance, the Crisis Cell aims to spare survivors from the often arduous procedures that exacerbate their vulnerability. With a staggering 63,000 recorded cases of gender-based violence in the past three years and countless incidents going unreported, urgent interventions are imperative to instill a sense of security among the vulnerable.
Notably, Karachi alone witnessed 522 cases of sexual assault against women and underage girls last year, underscoring the pressing need for strategic planning to establish crisis cells in other cities. The expansion and fortification of this mechanism are crucial to effectively combat the reprehensible crimes that rob women, girls, and children of their dignity. The ARCC initiative underscores the importance of timely services, encompassing FIR registration, evidence collection, and medical examinations within a six-hour window.
Addressing the prevailing concerns about an intimidating environment for victims and survivors, efforts led by women police officers within the Islamabad Capital Territory Police have been instrumental. To further enhance accessibility, a quick-access app or phone service is now warranted, enabling victims or those in direct contact with them to report incidents of rape or sexual assault promptly.
These initiatives, taken step by step, are imperative in paving the way for justice to be delivered to survivors of sexual violence, fostering safe public spaces for women and girls.
