Civil society activists urged the government to pass effective Domestic Violence Law in Punjab
Law-makers, lawyers, government officials and civil society activists urged the government to pass effective Domestic Violence Law in Punjab, here in Provincial Metropolis.
Domestic violence is considered a private matter and therefore women are discouraged to reveal it in public or report it. Mumkin Alliance for prevention of violence against women organized a consultation to promote legislation dealing with the widespread incidence of domestic violence in Pakistan. According to a recent report, there have been 7515 cases of violence against women in 2012. Punjab had a lion’s share of the cases 63%.
The event was addressed by Begum Zakiya Shahnawaz, Provincial Minister, Population Welfare, Khawar Mumtaz , Chair Person, National Commission on the Status of Women, Muhammad Suleman, Director Social Welfare Department, Fauzia Viqar, Director Shirkat Gah, Hina Hafeez , Advocate , Salman Abid , Regional Head, Strengthening Participatory Organization and Shazia Shaheen, Planning Specialist, Strengthening Participatory Organization.
The consultation was attended by the representatives of different political parties including; Shumaila Ruth , MPA, PTI, Nasreen Nawaz-MPA PMLN , Hina But – MPA , PMLN, Sadia Sohail, MPA, PTI , Dr. Aliya Aftab, MPA , PMLN and members of civil society.
Salman Abid, Regional Head SPO, introduced the aims and objectives of Mumkin Alliance and explained the purpose of the consultation.
Begum Zakia Shahnwaz, said that women development is the top priority in Punjab Provincial Government’s agenda. For this purpose effective legislation is needed to be implementedto eradicate domestic violence at par.
Fozia Waqar, highlighted the nature and prevalence of domestic violence in Punjab and suggested key features of the proposed law.
Hina Hafeez, Advocate Lahore High Court, on this occasion shared a critical analysis on the current Domestic Violence Bill been proposed by the Government.
Muhammad Suleman, Director Social Welfare, while speaking on the occasion said that civil society should share the concerns with the department in writing and do share the suggestion for amendments.
For the proposed law to effectively address DV, Participants suggested that include physical, emotional and economic abuse and provide for comprehensive prevention, protection and rehabilitation mechanisms.
Khawar Mumtaz appreciated the role Social Welfare Department and Women Development Department have played in promoting women’s rights.