KARACHI: Speakers at a conference on Thursday underlined the need of strict implementation of laws against gender-based violence saying that elaborate efforts must be made to control violence against children and women in Sindh.

Addressing the second conference of the multi-sectoral coordination committee on gender-based violence at a local hotel, the speakers called for improving laws against general based violence.

The conference was organised by the Pathfinder International in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Pakistan under the Sehat Mand Khandan (SMK) project, in conjunction with the multi-sectoral coordination committee (MSCC) on gender-based violence in Sindh.

Addressing the ceremony as the chief guest, caretaker Information Minister Ahmad Shah, who also holds the portfolios of minority affairs, and social protection, said that the provincial government’s strong commitment to ending gender-based violence was evident from the presence of key stakeholders, including the chief secretary, secretaries and senior officers of government departments.

Muhammad Ahmad Shah emphasised that nine-year-old Fatima Furiro — who worked as a housemaid in a Ranipur haveli and whose post-mortem report clearly stated that she was sexually abused and tortured physically — symbolised oppression and helplessness.

He stressed the need for strict enforcement of law to cultivate both respect and fear for law in people.

Caretaker Law and Human Rights Minister Umar Soomro said there was much work to be done to stop violence against women and children.

“The education department has a very important role to play in this regard,” he said adding that the human rights department would give three-month training to students and give Rs25,000 per month to trainees.

Chief Secretary Fakhr Alam, human rights secretary Tahseen Fatima and others participated.

Published in Dawn, December 15th, 2023