ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) on Saturday condemned the F-9 Park incident and called for enhanced security in public places in order to avoid such incidents.

In a statement, the NCSW said it had written to the relevant authorities for fair and diligent investigation to arrest the culprits.The NCSW issued a letter to the inspector general of the police Islamabad, stating that the incident was a sheer violation of the fundamental constitutional rights of women.

It also stated that it expected an exhaustive investigation to be conducted into the incident. The NCSW stressed upon the police to further create safer places and increase security of public places in order to avoid such incidents.

The Islamabad police said a woman was raped at gunpoint in F-9 Park. On Feb 2, a first information report (FIR) was registered at the Margalla police station under Section 376 (punishment for rape).

To monitor the implementation of the Anti-Rape Investigation and Trial Act 2021, the commission also wrote to the Ministry of Law and Justice to share the updated status/report of the special committee. Furthermore, the commission requested the ministry to inform about the steps taken to enforce the Anti-Rape Investigation and Trial Act 2021.

The commission also urged the ministry to share information on the subjects including framing of the rules under the act, establishment of the anti-rape crises cells and formation of sexual offences investigation units.

The NCSW said it would continue working within its mandate to curb violence against women in the country.

Published in Dawn, February 12th, 2023