SIALKOT, April 18: A programme for raising public awareness on violence against women has been launched in 10 selected union councils of the district. It has been sponsored by the British High Commission while Baidari, a Sialkot-based NGO, will execute it. A launching ceremony was held at Roras, a remote village, on Monday. It was presided over by Sialkot District Nazim Mian Naeem Javaid while British High Commissioner Mark Lyall Grant was the chief guest.

According to a press release of the British High Commission, the project will benefit women living in 250 villages of 10 selected union councils. It would also contribute to creating spaces and options for women, who were the survivors of violence so that they could effectively deal with difficult circumstances and experiences, giving support, relief and rehabilitation of women subject to different forms of violence.

It said that a resource centre would be set up to actively respond to acts of violence, such as sexual violence, threat to life, acid burning, stove burning etc. A help line would provide immediate necessary assistance to the affected.

Mr Grant announced a special grant of Rs 3.1 million for the project.