ISLAMABAD: The Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights raised serious concerns on Wednesday over the alarming rise in crimes against women and children in Sindh, particularly noting a zero percent conviction rate for such offenses.
During a meeting at Parliament House, Committee Chairperson Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri expressed frustration over the absence of the Sindh Inspector General of Police (IGP), who was expected to address the committee on the critical issues surrounding domestic violence, rape, and other related crimes in the province.
Senator Zehri emphasized that the IGP’s absence constituted a serious breach of protocol, as his presence was crucial for addressing the escalating crime rates and improving the safety of the community.
Officials briefed the committee on the complaint process, including the helpline 1715 available at the IG office, and the Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Agency (Zarra), which aims to streamline the complaint process. The committee members underscored the need for increased public awareness and suggested involving media representatives to spread vital information.
Senator Zehri highlighted that many victims are reluctant to report crimes due to fear of inadequate legal and police support. She pointed out that abused women often remain with their perpetrators in dangerous conditions, and that underreporting is particularly prevalent in rural areas.
The committee learned that of the 1,058 reported cases, 985 remain unresolved. Senator Zehri noted that there were significant issues with investigations and prosecutions, with prosecutors sometimes siding with perpetrators. She called for improved training for prosecutors and better data sharing among provinces to enhance the effectiveness of the justice system.
She also addressed concerns about child marriages, indicating that preventive measures had been implemented to reduce such cases. Additionally, Senator Zehri recommended improving road safety by installing speed limit signs and providing proper training for traffic constables. The committee criticized current fines for drunk driving as inadequate and called for stricter penalties.
The committee’s discussions highlighted the urgent need for systemic reforms and better support mechanisms to address the rising incidence of violence and ensure justice for victims.
