By Ali Imran
ISLAMABAD: The WPC on Tuesday called for stronger laws and effective prosecution to curb honour killings and gender based violence, while urging the government to establish safe and affordable hostels for girls and working women, during the 13th meeting of its General Assembly held at Parliament House, Islamabad, where members reviewed the legal and policy framework on femicide and violence against women.
The meeting was briefed by the Ministry of Human Rights on the alarming incidence of honour killings, gender based violence, femicide and premeditated murders in the country.
The ministry stressed that there could be no justification for killing a person in the name of social or tribal prestige.
WPC Secretary Dr Shahida Rehmani, MNA, welcomed the participants and appreciated the Ministry of Human Rights for briefing members on the sensitive issue.
She also congratulated Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq, MNA, on the successful hosting of the 9th OIC Ministerial Conference on Women in Islamabad on July 12 and 13.
The conference was organised in partnership with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Ministry of Human Rights.
Dr Rehmani said the conference provided an important platform for dialogue, cooperation and exchange of experiences on women’s empowerment, bringing together ministers, senior officials and delegations from OIC member states.
Members expressed serious concern over the continued killings committed under the pretext of “honour” and called for a comprehensive review of existing laws to identify gaps in legislation, implementation, prosecution and protection mechanisms.
They also recommended reconsidering the term “honour killing”, arguing that it could inadvertently create an impression that such crimes have some form of legitimacy.
Members stressed that there was no honour in killing a human being and every such act must be treated as a serious criminal offence.
The caucus called for stronger implementation of existing pro women laws, better coordination among law enforcement agencies and relevant institutions, and effective prosecution to ensure justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators.
The meeting also focused on the shortage of safe, affordable and accessible hostels for girls, particularly female students and working women from remote and underserved areas.
Members noted that the lack of secure accommodation could restrict women’s access to higher education, professional training and employment.
They called for legislation and a comprehensive policy framework for the establishment, regulation and management of girls’ hostels.
The caucus proposed public private partnership models to establish new hostels and expand existing facilities.
It also called for construction of hostels in high demand areas and renovation of government facilities to provide safe, hygienic and dignified accommodation.
The General Assembly also adopted a resolution commemorating Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day and paying tribute to the contributions of Pakistani women to the Pakistan Movement and the country’s political, social, economic, educational and professional development.
The resolution acknowledged the sacrifices of the families of the Shuhada and Ghazis, particularly mothers, wives, daughters and sisters, and reaffirmed the need to recognise women’s contribution to the country’s defence, development and progress.
It called for continued efforts towards gender responsive legislation, greater participation of women in decision making and expanded opportunities in education, skills development, technology, entrepreneurship and leadership.
The WPC reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s rights through parliamentary dialogue, legislative scrutiny and policy advocacy, stressing that protection from violence, access to education, safe accommodation and meaningful participation in national development were essential for a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.
The meeting was attended by Shahida Begum, MNA and WPC Treasurer; Saba Sadiq, MNA and Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights; Rana Ansar, Tamkeen Akhtar Niazi, Zahra Wadood Fatemi, Sofia Saeed Shah, Kiran Imran Dar, Saira Afzal Tarar, Erum Hamid, Ghazala Anjum, Shumaila Rana, Mahjabeen Abbasi, Zainab Baloch, Naeema Kishwar Khan, Neelam, Samina Khalid Ghurki, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar and other members, besides Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training Farah Naz Akbar, Director General Human Resource Rabeea Hadi and Dr Humera Jamal of the National Commission on the Status of Women.
