ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights have provided rehabilitation services to 7701 women victims of violence, floods and earthquake from 2011 to 2013 and have taken measures to protect their rights.
It established 26 Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Human Rights Centres for Women (SBBHRCW) for their welfare, said an official sources.
After the 18th Amendment, 13 centers were transferred to the provinces and 12 have been retained by the Federal Government under the control of Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights.
The centres have created good linkages with law enforcement agencies,hospitals,NGOs and media.
The centres have gained social acceptance, particularly in areas like Mianwali, Vehari, Muzaffargarh, Khushab and Sahiwal – the areas where strong feudal and tribal background and conservative mindset prevailed.
An amount of Rs 57.644 million has been spent on 12 centres in 2012.
For the current financial year, Rs 78.00 million has been allocated for these centres.
The government has taken a number of steps for the protection and empowerment of women ranging from establishing institutional framework to setting up legislative framework.
The government has established an autonomous National Commission on the Status of women under National Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2012.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhawa Provincial Commission on the Status of Women has also been established whereas the other provinces are in the process of setting up Provincial Commissions.
The National Commission for Human Rights is established under National Commission for Human Rights Act, 2012.
The Commission provides avenues for addressing grievances on violations of human rights of citizens including women,said the source. Three members of the commission are women, including Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women.
The ministry has also taken several legislative measures for the protection and empowerment of women after the 18th Amendment.
Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 2011 known as Acid Control and Acid was enacted on December 28, 2011 to provide protection to women against defacing through acid throwing.
Under this Act, whoever with the intention or knowingly causes or attempts to cause hurt by means of a corrosive substance or any substance which is harmful to human body shall be punished with imprisonment for life or imprisonment of either description which shall not be less than fourteen years and a minimum fine of Rs. one million.
Criminal Law (Third Amendment) Act, 2011 commonly known as Anti Women Practices Act 2011 is the most significant law for protection of rights of women.
The Law was enacted on December 28, 2011, with the aim to banish harmful, old customary practices like giving a female in marriage as badal-e-sulh, wanni or swara, depriving a woman from inheriting property, forced marriages and marriage with the Holy Quran. Under this law all such practices have been made punishable offense.
Establishment of Women in Distress and Detention Fund under Women in Distress and Detention Fund Act 2011 is a major step by the government to provide assistance to women. It was established in 1996 through an Act of Parliament but remained dormant till 2012 when necessary amendments were made in the Act.
The Fund envisages setting up of Executive and Provincial Committees, which are being established in consultation with the various stakeholders. After establishment of these two Committees, the Fund would become operational.
