ISLAMABAD – The National Assembly was informed on Wednesday that due to government’s efforts, the country saw a downward trend in cases of domestic violence and only 5,404 such cases were registered in the years 2009 and 2010.
In response to a question, Minister for Human Rights Mumtaz Alam Gillani told the House that in 2008, the cases of domestic violence were far more than those registered in two following years.
“In order to curb the offense, the government is creating awareness among women to report the cases of domestic violence to law enforcement agencies. The government is also considering to increase number of women police stations in the country.” The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2009 was also under consideration in the Parliament.
Mumtaz informed the House that inspector generals of police across the country have been directed to establish Human Rights Cells at provincial and district levels to register cases of human rights violation instantly and to investigate such cases on priority basis. He said a separate branch has also been established in police department that deals with violation cases on 24-hour basis.
He said Islamabad Police has established women complaint units at three police stations including Women Police Station, Margalla Police Station and Industrial Police Station.
