Pakistan, UN stress zero-tolerance against violence toward women

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Human Rights Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday reaffirmed the government’s zero-tolerance policy on violence against women, stressing strengthened national protections and continued international commitments, according to a press release issued by the Press Information Department.

Speaking at a national event marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, the minister said Pakistan remained committed “to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly the growing threat of digital violence.”

Tarar said that while Pakistan’s rapid digital transformation had created opportunities in education, innovation, and public participation, it had also given rise to new forms of abuse, including cyberstalking, impersonation, harassment, deepfake manipulation, extortion, and hate speech.

“Digital violence is real, and its impact is profound,” he said. “Women and girls across all sectors, from universities and workplaces to politics and media, encounter online abuse every day."

“Many hesitate to participate publicly due to fear, stigma, or complex reporting systems. This must change, and we are committed to changing it.”

The minister underscored the government’s zero-tolerance approach, citing key reforms, including the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act 2022, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, the Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Act 2020, and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018.

He also highlighted support systems, including the National Commission on the Status of Women, the Family Protection Center, and the 1099 Helpline.

Tarar noted ongoing collaboration with technology companies, including Meta, to improve online safety tools, enhance reporting mechanisms, and strengthen protections for women and children against harmful content.

He said progress was underway on the National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women, which aim to create a comprehensive, survivor-centered framework for prevention, protection, and accountability.