Rabia Mustafa

Islamabad witnessed a significant milestone as the inaugural Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC) at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) marked its establishment on January 15, 2024. This critical initiative aims to ensure expedited justice for victims of sexual violence.

The establishment of the ARCC aligns with the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, which mandates the setup of anti-rape crisis cells (ARCCs) across districts. These cells are designed to offer survivors a range of services, including the prompt registration of first information reports (FIR), collection of evidence, and medical examinations.

Section 4(1) of the Act outlines the establishment of ARCCs, emphasizing their placement in public hospitals with sufficient medical facilities to address offenses specified in Schedule-II. Section 5 of the Act elaborates on the powers, duties, and functions of ARCCs. These include conducting timely medico-legal examinations, securing and collecting evidence, performing forensic analyses, registering FIRs, and taking any necessary actions. Notably, the Act mandates that police officers promptly inform the ARCC upon receiving information about the commission of such heinous offenses.

The establishment of the ARCC at PIMS stands as a testament to the collective efforts of various individuals, institutions, and organizations. The Ministry of Law and Justice spearheaded this initiative with valuable support from the UK government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Legal Aid Society. The dedicated contributions of individuals who actively worked towards translating the provisions of this Act into reality have played a pivotal role in this achievement.

Mr. Sharafat Ali Chaudhry, a High Court Advocate and Criminal Justice Expert affiliated with UNFPA has made significant contributions in this field. As a skilled draftsperson, he has crafted more than 50 Acts and Rules, demonstrating his proficiency in legislative drafting. Committed to combating gender-based violence, he has played a crucial role in drafting the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021. Furthermore, he serves as a member of the Special Committee established by the Ministry of Law and Justice under the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021.

The ARCC shall facilitate the victims of sexual violence by providing medical, psycho-social, and legal support. The ARCC will also contribute to the timely collection of medical evidence which will further contribute to effective prosecution resulting in punishing the criminals.

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