In a significant step toward addressing sexual violence, the Legal Aid Society, in partnership with the Ministry of Law and Justice, the Balochistan government, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized a consultation in Quetta to bolster the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021. The event also focused on establishing Anti-Rape Crisis Cells (ARCCs) in the province.
According to a report by Dawn, the consultation brought together government officials, legal experts, and stakeholders to address barriers in implementing the Act and to develop survivor-centric strategies. Discussions highlighted the operational requirements for ARCCs, envisioned as centers providing medical, psychological, and legal support to survivors of sexual violence.
UNFPA programme coordinator Sadia Atta expressed optimism about creating a detailed action plan to advance support systems. “With the input of stakeholders and supporters, we hope to develop a plan that helps UNFPA and Balochistan’s health department move forward,” she said.
Federal Law Secretary Raja Naeem Akbar underscored the importance of coordination between federal and provincial governments, stating, “We are committed to doing whatever is necessary to strengthen this collaboration.”
Balochistan’s health secretary, Mujeebur Rehman Panizai, reaffirmed the health department’s commitment to bridging support gaps for survivors, emphasizing the need to ensure comprehensive care and assistance.
Quetta Commissioner Hamza Shafqaat highlighted the importance of solid legal frameworks. “While the implementation of laws is often criticized, we must also focus on strengthening their foundations. I fully support the establishment of ARCCs in Balochistan and remain committed to ensuring their effectiveness,” he said.
Meanwhile, Javed Raza Sultan from the Ministry of Law reflected on the legal aspects, calling for a “victim-centric, suspect-focused, and context-led approach” to achieving the desired outcomes under the Anti-Rape Act, 2021.
Dr. Summaya Syed-Tariq, a member of the special anti-rape committee, stressed the need for evidence-based solutions. “To make meaningful progress, we must prioritize data integrity and leverage existing resources to create a sustainable and contextual multi-sectoral model,” she noted.
Legal Aid Society’s Maliha Zia reiterated the importance of placing survivors at the center of all efforts to combat sexual violence.