KARACHI (HRNW): The Sindh High Court (SHC) has expressed dissatisfaction over the slow implementation of the Anti-Rape (Trial and Investigation) Act 2021, directing both federal and provincial governments to submit detailed progress reports. The court was hearing a constitutional petition highlighting the lack of protection for women and children against sexual violence.
Major Lapses Highlighted by Petitioner
Advocate Tariq Mansoor, the petitioner, argued that despite the passage of the 2021 Act, the government has failed to establish the necessary legal and medical frameworks. Key concerns raised during the hearing include:
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Lack of Crisis Centers: In a city of 30 million people, only Civil Hospital Karachi has a functional Anti-Rape Crisis Cell.
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Staffing Issues: The existing cell at Civil Hospital reportedly lacks female staff, which is a mandatory requirement for sensitive handling of victims.
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Missing Database: A centralized database of sexual offenders has yet to be developed, and the system for in-camera trials remains ineffective.
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Witness Protection: No concrete framework exists for providing legal aid to victims or ensuring the safety of witnesses.
Government Response and Court Observations
The government’s counsel challenged the petition’s maintainability, arguing that the petitioner was not an “aggrieved party.” However, the bench dismissed this technicality, questioning: “When the law exists, why is it not being implemented?”
While the state prosecutor maintained that the government is “serious” about implementation and has established crisis cells in various districts, the court noted that the current infrastructure is insufficient. The SHC has ordered a comprehensive breakdown of all operational crisis cells and implementation steps to be presented by the next hearing.
The court adjourned the proceedings until April 7, 2026.
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