Our Correspondent
Karachi: Women’s safety, protection of their rights and police response to cases of violence and harassment came under discussion when an eight-member delegation of the Women’s Action Forum met IGP Sindh Javed Alam Odho at the Central Police Office. The delegation, led by Ms Malika Khan, briefed the IGP on issues faced by women, including sexual harassment, violence, abuse and other violations of their rights. The meeting also discussed police measures against violence against women in Sindh, coordination between the police and civil society.
DIGs Headquarters, Crime and Investigations, Karachi Traffic and Training as well as AIGs Human Rights/GBV and Legal attended the meeting. The Women’s Action Forum appreciated the Sindh Police’s prompt response and measures in cases involving violations of women’s rights and serious offences. The delegation also requested the revival of a joint WhatsApp group to facilitate the reporting of serious incidents, coordination on police action and awareness regarding women’s rights violations.
IGP Odho directed officials to restore the joint WhatsApp group and assured the delegation of the police’s full cooperation. He said violence, sexual harassment and abuse against women and children would not be tolerated and directed police to ensure strict and impartial action against those involved in such offences in accordance with the law.
He further directed officials to ensure an immediate response to complaints involving women and children, timely registration of cases and quality investigations. He stressed that victims of sexual harassment and their families must be treated with dignity, sensitivity and protected from unnecessary difficulties during the legal process. The IGP reiterated that the Sindh Police was following a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women and children and would continue taking all possible measures to protect their rights and ensure timely justice.
