IN what is a social minefield for women, the Punjab police investigation department’s decision to deploy 1,450 trained personnel for the Special Sexual Offences Investigation Units in the province — established under Section 9 of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021— is reassuring. Punjab has thrown up distressing statistics for long: a report from the Sustainable Social Development Organisation in 2023 showed that 10,201 cases of violence against women were registered in Punjab alone. Most cases go unreported. In addition to patriarchal societal structures, judicial and institutional apathy, apparent in attitudes and judgements, keeps conviction rates low, prevents reforms in the criminal justice system, and impedes the enforcement of progressive legislation, leaving victims without justice. In fact, the Lahore High Court chief justice recently observed that the failure to implement the anti-rape law allows the accused to go unpunished, and the volume of rape cases now exceeds that of murder cases.

Sexual crimes lead to physical and mental dehumanisation. As the law also stipulates more efficient legal procedures, the authorities should not delay introducing limited-duration trials in special courts for sexual offences. Moreover, many challenges, such as poor resources, pending cases, insensitivity towards a survivor, and the lack of identity protection, contribute to protracted rape trials and distrust in the system. Empathy among officers, rape crises centres with helplines, and a fast-track legal system for women and girls are warranted across Pakistan. The Anti-Rape Act did bring about significant amendments in our regressive system for the safety and support of survivors. Hence, in addition to these measures, arresting the ecosystem around rape, which is pitted against the victim, is equally necessary. The government must comply with the UNFPA’s support for ‘life-skills-based education’ as a prevention method, and advocate bodily autonomy and positive values for youngsters to recognise and forge wholesome relationships.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2025