Following an uptick in incidents of sexual abuse against women and children in Pakistan’s Punjab province, authorities have declared a “emergency,” according to local media.The fast rise in reports of sexual assault against women and children in the province, according to the minister, is a major concern for society and government officials.
In the presence of Law Minister Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, the minister , Atta Tarar, emphasised that the Cabinet Committee on Rape and Law and Order will review all instances, and that civil society, women’s rights organisations, instructors, and attorneys will be consulted to prevent such incidents.At answer to a question, the minister expressed sorrow that drug use had become fashionable in prestigious schools and universities, contributing to the rise in crime rates.
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,” The provincial minister was said.The accused in a number of cases had been jailed, the government had begun an anti-rape campaign, and students would be educated about sexual harassment in schools, according to the statement.
The Punjab Forensic Science Agency’s role will be increased for a fast-track DNA sampling, according to the Home Minister, and a meeting with lab officials was arranged for later Monday.
