The Balochistan government has established anti-harassment cells in the district headquarters hospitals of 34 districts and major government hospitals in Quetta to deal with harassment issues in the province. According to media reports, the provincial government has issued instructions to the heads of the newly established anti-harassment cells to issue immediate medical reports of incidents at the local level instead of transferring suspected deaths and victims of attacks to hospitals in Quetta. This will help to eliminate such cases and enable the government to resolve their issues without delay. The cells have been established under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2021 and police surgeons and medical legal officers have been appointed in these special cells.

Commission on Status of Women Balochistan Chairperson Fauzia Shaheen has appreciated the efforts of the provincial government and said that the establishment of these cells will enable the investigation of serious crimes and the provision of medical assistance in legal matters at the local level. She said that the cells would also help to sufficiently eliminate harassment issues and the accused can be brought to justice. The establishment of anti-harassment cells in district hospitals was a long-standing demand of the Commission on Status of Women.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)