Govt promulgates two ordinances against rape, sexual violence

Dunya News

Govt promulgates two ordinances against rape, sexual violence

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - The Cabinet Committee on Law has promulgated two new ordinances on the burning issue of legislation against sexual violence and rape.

According to details, a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Law was chaired by Federal Law Minister Farogh Naseem on Thursday. The meeting approved the Anti-Rape and Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance.

According to a law ministry spokesman, special courts will be set up with the help of the new ordinances to prevent sexual violence. The federal cabinet has already approved the Anti-Rape and Criminal Law Amendment Ordinance.

The draft of the ordinance states that special courts will be set up to prevent sexual violence and rape. Special prosecutors will be appointed for these special courts.

Use of dehumanizing methods of medical examination of the victims will not be allowed. Modern equipment will be used during the investigation and trial phase and trials will be held in-camera.

The victims will be provided legal assistance under the Legal Aid and Justice Authority. Moreover, anti-rape crisis cells will be set up under the Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner.

Joint investigative committees headed by DPOs will investigate the crimes and a database of sexual predators will be maintained through NADRA.