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LAHORE, Dec 18 (APP): A delegation of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) on Thursday met Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi at the Home Department to discuss matters relating to the protection of women and children and elimination of sexual violence.
According to a Home Department spokesman, the UNFPA delegation was led by Country Representative Dr Luay Shabaneh and included Provincial Lead Tania Durrani, Hasna Batool and Momina Asad. Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman, Deputy Secretary Special Initiatives and other relevant officials were also present.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on safeguarding women and children and strengthening measures to prevent sexual violence. The UNFPA delegation briefed the home secretary on the preparation of the draft Punjab Sexual Violence Response Framework (PSVRF).
Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi informed the delegation about welfare-oriented reforms being undertaken by the Punjab government, saying that protection of vulnerable segments of society was the top priority of chief minister Punjab. He said a dedicated helpline had been established on Emergency 15 for the protection of women and children.
The home secretary said the Punjab government was strengthening legislation and institutions to curb sexual violence and was following a zero-tolerance policy against such crimes. He added that the Home Department was running a “Good Touch, Bad Touch” awareness campaign to protect children and that coordination among law enforcement agencies was helping in taking cases to their logical conclusion. He also highlighted steps being taken to enhance the capacity of the Punjab Forensic Science Authority.
The UNFPA delegation shared details about policy formulation and stakeholder consultations aimed at eliminating gender-based violence. UNFPA Country Representative Dr Luay Shabaneh appreciated the cooperation and central role of the Punjab Home Department in developing a policy framework to combat gender-based violence, stressing the need for joint efforts to ensure the safety of all citizens.