Feb 29 , 2016
News
Law on women’s protection termed move to reduce violence
APPISLAMABAD: The women’s protection bill passed by the Punjab Assembly would ensure protection, relief and rehabilitation for destitute women, especially those facing domestic violence, said former National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW) chairperson Khawar Mumtaz.
“It is positive step as a comprehensive bill passed from most populated province of country with a concrete plan of implementation to eradicate domestic violence from our society.”
She said appointment of social security officers and establishment of shelter homes would play a major role in effective implementation of the bill, however, it depends on the budgetary allocation for these institutions. “If the prescribed mechanism is established and enforced properly, it would bring a major change in lives of women,” she said.
Khawar Mumtaz said the bill allows aggrieved person or any of her authorised person to lodge a complain and the case would be decided within three months which will ensure dignity of women in society.
She stated that Sindh and Balochistan assemblies have already passed the bills while NCSW has also drafted a comprehensive bill for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), which is currently submitted to Ministry of Law and Justice for vetting. The former chairperson remarked that in connection with the celebration of International Women Day, to be celebrated around the globe on March 8, the government should expedite the ICT domestic violence bill as a gift for natives of the federal capital.
Aurat Foundation chief executive officer said it is a good endeavour of the Punjab government to protect women’s rights in the country. He remarked the effectiveness of the law is based on initiating large-scale awareness campaign at grass root level. He said there is a dire need to sensitise police, lawyers and judiciary and establish training modules for them for providing speedy justice to victims.
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk