LAHORE: The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has welcomed the passage of the Protection of Women against Violence Bill, 2015 in the Punjab Assembly and hoped that efficient enforcement would help protect women from violence and ensure that the culprits do not escape justice.

In a statement released to the media on Thursday, the HRCP welcomed the bill.

“The bill appears to be a rather comprehensive attempt to institute a system for prevention of violence against women and for protection and rehabilitation of the women victims.” The HRCP also cautioned that cosmetic and purely procedural changes have not had an impact in the past.

“The change in law would only make a difference if there is effective enforcement and the legislature continues to engage with the issue and ensures oversight”, it says. It stressed the State not to abandon whatever little positive change is brought forth, and raise awareness about the importance of the legislative measure in question.Also, the Pakistan Civil Society Forum welcomed the legislation, demanding its implementation in letter and spirit.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2016