Pakistan's Punjab imposes 'emergency' due to rise in rape cases
Islamabad (Pakistan), June 22: In response to a sharp rise in the number of reported cases of sexual abuse against women and children, the Punjab province of Pakistan has decided to declare an "emergency."
While addressing a press conference, Punjab Home Minister Atta Tarar had said that an uptick in such cases is a serious issue for society and government officials. "Four to five cases of rape are being reported daily in Punjab due to which the government is considering special measures to deal with cases of sexual harassment, abuse and coercion," he said, according to Geo News.
He further added, "To deal with rape cases, the administration has declared an emergency."
The minister also stated that civil society, women's rights organisations, teachers and attorneys would be consulted in the matter; besides this, parents have been urged to teach their children about the importance of safety.
Tarar further added that the accused in a number of cases had been detained, the government had launched an anti-rape campaign, and students would be warned about harassment in schools.
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The home minister stated that now is the time for parents to learn how to protect their children and added that the government will raise the number of DNA samples on a fast-track basis.
"A system on abuse will be implemented in two weeks, reducing the incidents," he said.
Violence against women is pervasive in Pakistan and affects all socioeconomic classes. Pakistan has been suffering and fighting a gender violence epidemic.
Pakistan has been suffering and battling a gender violence epidemic and violence against women cuts across classes in the country. According to the Global Gender Gap Index 2021, Pakistan ranks 153 out of 156 countries, just above Iraq, Yemen and Afghanistan.
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-PTC News
