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ISLAMABAD: To end all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly digital violence, the government of Pakistan has&nbsp;improved online safety tools and enhanced reporting mechanisms. The measures also include strengthening protection for women and children against harmful content through National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence. The government also continues to support systems designed to improve safety for women, including the National Commission on the Status of Women, the Family Protection Center, the 1099 Helpline, and the National Policy on Ending Violence Against Women. National Strategy on Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV)According to a UNDP report, nearly 90% of cyber harassment complaints filed with the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) are from women, with 45% of working women reporting online abuse and 15% quitting their jobs as a result. According to the report, the project is contributing to a safer and more inclusive digital and offline environment for women, youth, and marginalized communities across Pakistan.&nbsp; Through legal reform, institutional strengthening, and survivor-centered digital interventions, this initiative is empowering aff&shy;ected individuals, improving access to justice, and strengthening national and provincial ownership to sustainably address TFGBV. National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW)Pakistan government&rsquo;s NCSW undertakes and encourages research and data generations as evidence for policies, action and monitoring as a central component of its work. Based on data from different sources, it showcases various indicators such as women&rsquo;s household decision making power, financial autonomy, freedom of movement, political participation, acceptance of unequal gender roles, exposure to media, access to education, experience of domestic violence etc. Family Protection and Rehabilitation Center for Women (FPRCW)Functioning under Pakistan&rsquo;s Ministry of Human Rights, Family Protection &amp; Rehabilitation Center for Women exists to provide free medical/first aid to victims of violence, free legal assistance/aid, and to do liaise with agencies competent to redress grievances of women at individual and collective levels, especially those concerned with combating violence against women (VAW). Toll free helpline 1099A Toll-Free Number 1099 offers access to callers from all over the country (with no cost at all) to get free legal advice, counseling, legal assistance and referral service for redressal of their grievances. The helpline since its establishment has received almost 1.5 million calls till May 2025 and has provided its services in almost 60,000 relevant cases, according to the Ministry of Human Rights&rsquo; website.&nbsp; Zero-tolerance policy&nbsp;Pakistan Human Rights Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday reaffirmed the government&rsquo;s zero-tolerance policy on violence against women, underscoring a wide range of national protections, legal reforms, and institutional support systems already put in place to safeguard women and girls. Citing strengthened national protections and continued international commitments, he highlighted the government&rsquo;s ongoing efforts at a national event marking the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts. Protection Against Harassment of Women at the WorkplaceEmphasizing Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment &ldquo;to ending all forms of violence against women and girls, particularly the growing threat of digital violence,&rdquo; Tarar pointed to legislative and policy reforms as key pillars of the government&rsquo;s approach. He referenced measures such as the Protection Against Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Amendment) Act 2022, the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, the Enforcement of Women&rsquo;s Property Rights Act 2020, and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act 2018, laws aimed at strengthening accountability and expanding protections for women.

Culture

Pakistan has intensified efforts to end violence against women through strengthened laws, digital-safety reforms, support services, and national institutions, aiming to enhance protection, improve justice access, and create safer online environments for women across Pakistan.

Articles tagged with "Violence against women"

Pakistan ups the ante to end violence against women