ISLAMABAD: A conference organised by the National Commission on the Status of Women advocated legal amendments to criminalise domestic violence, improve forensic procedures, and establish specialised police units to curb these cases.

According to a statement issued on Thursday, the NCSW launched the latest phase of its consultation conference series titled “The Next Horizon,” aimed at creating a comprehensive national agenda for women and girls in Pakistan. The series continued with the National Conference on Legal Reforms for Women and Girls, organised in collaboration with UNFPA at the Marriott Hotel, Islamabad.

NCSW Chairperson Nilofar Bakhtiar opened the session by highlighting the urgent need to address pressing legal issues facing women in Pakistan.

The conference featured thematic working group sessions that delved into various aspects of women’s legal rights. The discussions also included the enforcement of women’s property rights, legislation on violence against women and girls, legislation related to women from religious minorities, and pending reforms, such as child marriage and rights for women and girls with disabilities. These sessions aimed to identify specific legal challenges and propose actionable strategies for improvement.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarrar commended the NCSW for its efforts in advocating for women’s rights, stating, “Legal reforms are crucial for ensuring justice and equality for women across Pakistan.”

Mukhtaran Mai, ASP Sherbano Naqvi, UNFPA Country Representative Dr Luay Shabaneh and Director for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Section Lori Antolinez also spoke at the session, stressing the role of legal reforms in advancing women’s rights to enhance women’s rights across diverse areas in Pakistan.

Similarly, legislation for religious minority women focused on enacting marriage and inheritance laws was also advocated, while measures for women and girls with disabilities sought to prioritise accessibility and inclusive policy frameworks. These steps collectively aimed to strengthen legal protections and inclusivity for vulnerable groups in Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, June 28th, 2024