ISLAMABAD, July 14: Welcom-ing the promulgation of the ordinance regarding the release of under-trial women prisoners involved in petty crimes and Hudood Ordinance, representatives of civil society organisations (CSOs) on Friday demanded that the government must set up supportive mechanisms for the protection and provision of shelter for the released women.

Speaking at a news conference, the representatives of Actionaid, Pattan Development Organisation, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Women Action Forum, Sustainable Policy Development Institute, Aurat Foundation, Rozan, Sungi Development Organisation, Bedari and The Network said the ordinance was just the vindication of the stand of the rights groups, which had been pointing out to the plight of women prisoners under Hudood laws.

They said there was enough research-based evidence to suggest that almost 90 per cent women tried under the Hudood laws were acquitted, but only after long ordeals in prisons.

“This reveals the unjust nature of the law and the patriarchal mindset of our law enforcement agencies,” they added.

Moreover, they said the increasing incidents of violence against women and the failure of the government to provide them protection and justice was a matter of grave concern for them. They said: “While we appreciate that the president finally took notice of the situation, we feel the announcement of the release of such women is not enough.”

The government needs to be sensitive to the cultural context. Many of the women to be released may not have the option to return to their families especially when a large majority of them had cases registered against them by the close members of their own families. Some of the released women may also face threats to their lives.”

They demanded that before the release of women prisoners under Hudood laws, jail authorities should prepare their profiles and categorise them according to their needs. Some of these women prisoners, they said, were even in no position to deposit surety bonds for the bail.