KARACHI, Nov 3: Growing need is being felt for a shelter home in Karachi for women abandoned by their families, particularly those released from the local prison either on bail or on the completion of their sentences on different offences.

A significant number of women visiting the city courts with regard to hearing of their respective cases talking to APP cited the absence of safe environment a major threat for them as they on the completion of their term or even during the court proceedings, even if not sent to jail, are generally ostracised by society in general and often by their own families.

These women have their strong reservation regarding the working of “Darul Amaan”. Sabra Bano, registered for illegal entry into Pakistan and initially ordered to be kept at the place managed by the provincial social welfare department, feels the place to be equally perilous as the open world is for destitute women.

There is also no dearth of local women trapped into fake cases of different forms, particularly by their husbands, and also miserably failing to receive support of their parents or siblings, seeking provision for a safe shelter.

Lawyer Shehar Bano, mainly dealing with cases pertaining to women, recommends an urgent refurbishment of Darul Amaan itself and its working, making the environment congenial enough for inmates and their children.

She calls for the constitution of a regular committee which may keep a constant surveillance on the affairs of the place. According to her, local philanthropists need to extend necessary assistance to the affairs of the centre managed by the department.

“There is urgent need to ensure skill and marketing training programmes for these women enabling them to lead a financially independent life,” she said.—APP