LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced plans to establish an Anti-Rape Crisis Cell in all government hospitals across the province.
In this regard, Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique chaired a meeting in the Department of Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education where the officers concerned briefed the minister.
Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Salman said that collecting evidence data in the Anti-Rape Crisis Cell is of utmost importance. The scope of this cell will be expanded to the provincial level, he added.
Furthermore, the provincial minister emphasised that societies that do not respect women become jungles.
“Strict legislation will be ensured in this regard across the province and steps will be taken to improve the working of Anti-Rape Crisis Cells,” he maintained.
Additional Secretary Technical Dr. M Waseem, Deputy Secretary Technical Dr Abdul Rehman, Section Officer Sana Javed, Sidra Humayun from United Nations Women, Tania Durrani from United Nations Population Fund, and Anam from Legal Aid Society also attended the meeting.
Earlier this month, the Punjab Health Department for Specialized Healthcare & Medical Education in collaboration with UN Women and the support of US Mission Pakistan, inaugurated the Anti Rape Crisis Cells (ARCC) at Mian Munshi Hospital and Services Hospital, Lahore.
Under the Prevention and Protection of Women from Violence through Enhanced Access to Justice and Services Access to Justice project, funded by the US government’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL), UN Women has established similar facilities in Karachi, Multan, and Islamabad.
UN Women Pakistan Deputy Country Representative, Jacqui Ketunuti, emphasized the critical role of Anti-Rape Crisis Cells in offering integrated services to survivors.
He stated, “Anti-Rape Crisis Cells serve as essential pillars in our collective efforts to combat sexual violence and ensure the rights and the well-being of rape survivors. By providing consolidated services and support, these cells play a pivotal role in empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and seek justice.”
