ISLAMABAD: Information Minister Attaullah Tarar on Monday suggested formation of a task force, comprising representatives from the federal and provincial governments, for judicial reforms to effectively curb incidents of child abuse and violence against women.

The minister gave the proposal in the National Assembly in reply to a question from PPP MNA Sharmila Sahiba Faruqui Hashaam.

In the absence of interior minister, Mr Tarar confirmed that there had been a sharp increase in such cases. There is a need for judicial reforms for the conviction of culprits arrested in connection with such cases, he added.

The conviction rate in such cases has been only three per cent, Mr Tarar said, adding that culprits in the Noor Muqadam case had been arrested and convicted, but the sentence was yet to be executed.

Conviction rate in such cases has been only three per cent, minister tells NA

Judicial reforms are needed to address the issue over execution of sentence, and setting a timeline for verdict in such cases, incidents, said the minister.

About the F-9 Park rape incident, Mr Tarar said lights had been installed in the park and Islamabad police were also working on the issue.

MNA Sharmila said the situation was bad and such incidents were also taking place in Islamabad. It is a serious issue and the government should take in seriously, she added.

The minister said 140 cases of abuse and violence incidents against women and children had been reported in Islamabad in 2023. The investigations of these cases have been completed and challans sent to trial courts which are pending in courts.

About a question whether an emergency response facility had been established in recreational parks and the hiking trails to enhance vigilance and improve safety response, the minister said in addition to the deployment of police, Dolphin Force had been established and Rescue 15 was also there to make immediate response to such calls.

About 788 police personnel are deployed at Dolphin Force and 266 are at Rescue-15, he said, while replaying to a question about the number of police personnel deployed for emergency response.

Moreover, in response to a question raised by MNA Asad Qaiser about the number of police checkposts, a written reply stated that four checkposts were presently operational, one each at Dama-i-Koh, Bari Imam, Pir Sohawa and D-12. No checkpost was established during the last two years, it said, adding 71 accused had been arrested from there.

At present, there is no such plan to reduce or increase the number of the checkposts. New checkposts can be established based on crime assessment while barriers and other means can be used for checking purpose. Check posts are established with prior approval of the government.

The reply was challenged by Mr Qaiser, who said he can name seven checkposts in the capital. There is no use of these checkposts; people are harassed there, especially those from KP and Balochistan, he added. He demanded action over submission of a wrong reply.

In response, the information minister said there were 22 checkposts in Islamabad as protecting people was the top priority of the government.

There have been recent incidents of terrorism, so there is no decision to remove the checkposts, he said, adding that so far 145 suspects have been arrested from the checkposts.

About the complaint over harassment and extortion at the checkposts, Mr Tarar assured the MNA that strict action will be taken against police officials involved in such illegal practice. He also requested the MNA to provide details of such specific incidents for action.

Published in Dawn, September 3rd, 2024