ISLAMABAD: The Code of Criminal Procedure 1898 lacks necessary legislation to protect women and children who are victims of heinous crimes and there is a need to promulgate a special section of laws that provide protection to them.

This was mentioned by Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed in a written response to questions asked by MNA Shahida Rehmani in the National Assembly.

As many as 75 murder, 138 rape and 52 attempted rape cases were reported in the capital from 2018 to 2020; cases were registered against 341 suspects, the minister said.

Moreover, the minister added that three cases were registered against four accused for committing crimes against transgender persons. After completion of investigation, challans against the accused have been submitted in trial court.

75 murder, 138 rape and 52 attempted rape cases were reported in capital from 2018 to 2020, Sheikh Rashid says

Strict directions have been issued to all quarters concerned to carry out flawless investigation in order to make the prosecution strong in such cases.

The District Attorney Office has been requested to instruct special public prosecutors to pursue cases of crime against women and children with zeal and spirit.

For the protection of women and reduce the ratio of crimes against them, the capital police have taken steps to ensure that quick justice is provided. All sub-divisional police officers (SDPOs) and SHOs have been asked to register FIRs of such cases without delay.

Furthermore, they have been directed to ensure that victims of violence are sent to the nearest hospitals for medical treatment and necessary protection should be provided to them.

The Gender Protection Unit (Helpline no: 8090) has been established in F-6 Markaz Facilitation Centre to assist and facilitate victims of violence, the minister said.

Counselling/advice should be provided to the victim’s family and awareness campaigns should be launched by ulema, scholars and other notables of society, refraining people from committing immoral crimes against women, the response stated, adding open courts should be held in different places and the public should be asked to cooperate with police.

All SHOs have been asked to ensure registration of all offences and guide aggrieved people.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2021