ISLAMABAD, 31 August, 2026 (Ghufran): The National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW), chaired by Ms. Noureen Bano Lehri, has demanded immediate and effective police action to curb the alarming rise in violence, rape, murder, harassment and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls across the country. The demand was made during a high-level meeting with senior police officials from across Pakistan to review the prevailing situation and assess measures being taken to protect women and girls. Chairperson NCSW Ms. Noureen Bano Lehri expressed grave concern over the increasing incidents of violence and took strict notice of cases including Hina Javed, Ayat Noor and Asma Jattak, as well as recent cases reported in Sindh, including the tragic deaths of three-year-old Kulsoom Mohammed Qasim and 18-month-old Aizal in Karachi. The Commission also expressed concern over the recently reported sexual assault of a nine-year-old girl in Shikarpur, whose identity has not been disclosed. Ms. Lehri directed police authorities to ensure swift, transparent and merit-based investigations, effective prosecution and timely justice in every case involving violence against women and girls. She stressed that every case must be pursued to its logical conclusion and that negligence, delays or failures in investigation would not be tolerated.

The NCSW called for the establishment of special courts or dedicated judicial mechanisms for GBV cases to ensure speedy disposal and prevent prolonged delays in the provision of justice. The Commission further directed police authorities to enhance patrolling, surveillance and preventive measures in areas where women and girls face threats, both inside and outside their homes. It stressed the need to ensure that women across Pakistan are fully informed about available police services, complaint mechanisms and emergency avenues for seeking protection and immediate relief. The NCSW also called for effective monitoring of madaris, schools, colleges, universities and other educational institutions to prevent harassment, abuse and violence. It emphasised the need for comprehensive GBV awareness and prevention programmes for students, with particular focus on educating and sensitising boys and young men to promote responsible behaviour and respect for the rights, dignity and safety of women and girls. The Chairperson directed specialised training and capacity building for police officers, investigation officers, doctors, prosecutors, judicial officers and prison staff to ensure gender-sensitive handling of GBV cases and survivors.

The Commission stressed that all Investigation Officers dealing with GBV cases must be adequately trained and should not be unnecessarily transferred, removed or assigned additional duties while critical investigations are underway. The NCSW also called for strict action against illegal jirgas and enhanced surveillance to prevent parallel or unlawful mechanisms from undermining women’s rights, due process and access to justice. The Commission directed that case-to-case GBV data be shared and reviewed on a monthly basis. All Inspectors General of Police (IGPs) were asked to provide regular updates regarding investigations, prosecution, pending cases, challenges, capacity-building initiatives and concrete measures being taken to control the surge in violence against women and girls.The NCSW further directed that its Complaint Management System (CMS) be effectively linked with police leadership to facilitate timely referral, response and follow-up of complaints. All IGPs were urged to maintain direct coordination with Women Development Departments and Provincial Commissions on the Status of Women to strengthen protection, referral and response mechanisms.

Regarding women prisoners, the Commission directed special monitoring of their welfare, protection and rehabilitation. It stressed that women prisoners engaged in productive or vocational labour must be fairly compensated and should not be paid less than male prisoners for comparable work. The Commission also called for providing women prisoners with education, vocational and skills training, financial literacy and rehabilitation support to enable them to rebuild dignified and independent lives after release and reintegrate positively into society. The meeting was attended by SSP Investigations Punjab Khurram Shehzad, DIG Crimes Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Muhammad Hussain, SSP Kamar Rizvi from Sindh and Additional Inspector General (Operations) Balochistan Shahzad Akbar, along with relevant senior police representatives from federal entities. Chairperson NCSW Ms. Noureen Bano Lehri reiterated that the protection and safety of women and girls is a non-negotiable responsibility of the state. She stressed that the cases of Hina Javed, Ayat Noor, Asma Jattak, Kulsoom Mohammed Qasim, Aizal and other victims must not become mere statistics, but should serve as a catalyst for urgent institutional reforms, stronger prevention mechanisms and effective justice.“There can be no compromise on the safety, dignity and fundamental rights of women and girls. Negligence, weak investigation, unnecessary delays and impunity will not be accepted. Every institution must deliver measurable and result-oriented action to stop this surge in gender-based violence, protect survivors and ensure justice,” she said.