Effective Justice System Crucial for Women’s Safety, Access to Courts Remains a Challenge – Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri

**Islamabad (Daily Qudrat):** The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, held a key session focusing on gender-based violence and the situation of Pakistanis imprisoned abroad.

During the meeting, Senator Sherry Rehman highlighted that despite two decades of legislation against gender-based violence, conviction rates remain extremely low. She reported that 70% of such incidents go unreported, and of the cases reported, the national conviction rate is only around 5%. In certain categories, it drops to 0.5%, while domestic violence cases see a conviction rate of just 1.3%. Provincial statistics revealed alarming figures:

* Islamabad (2024): 22 honor killings reported, none convicted; 176 rape cases, only 7 convictions.
* Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: 143 honor killings reported, none convicted; 258 rape cases, only 1 conviction.
* Sindh: 243 rape and 375 domestic violence cases, zero convictions.
* Balochistan: 32 honor killings, 21 rapes, 185 abductions with no convictions; domestic violence cases 160, only 25 convictions.
* Punjab: 225 honor killings, only 2 convictions.

Senator Rehman emphasized that without an effective justice system, laws alone cannot ensure women’s safety. Senator Zehri expressed concern that even accessing courts has become a test for affected women. The committee noted serious systemic weaknesses: women constitute only 1–1.5% of police personnel, medico-legal procedures are flawed, DNA evidence is often mishandled, investigations take an average of 1.6 months, and challans may take up to five months to prepare, further weakening prosecution.

The committee recommended inviting the Advocate General to the next session and stressed that all stakeholders, including police, prosecution, and medical authorities, should be brought together to discuss systemic weaknesses and propose practical improvements. Representatives from all provinces and Islamabad will be summoned for the next meeting, with relevant reports submitted at least three days in advance.

Senator Rehman also raised concerns about inadequate facilities in daycare centers, stressing that children cannot be expected to stay from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in substandard conditions.

Additionally, the committee was briefed on the plight of Pakistanis imprisoned abroad. Officials detailed the number of detainees, legal assistance provided, consular access, repatriation efforts, and challenges faced during release. The committee expressed concern over human trafficking networks luring citizens to Europe via fake visas, particularly through the Middle East and Africa. Senator Zehri emphasized the need for awareness campaigns about these dangers, including drug smuggling, to be conducted effectively through social media, airports, and collaboration with relevant authorities, especially the ANF.