ISLAMABAD: In a first, an anti-rape crisis cell (ARCC) was launched at the Polyclinic Hospital in the Pakistani capital on Thursday, the United Nations (UN) said, representing a “unified effort” to combat sexual violence and empower survivors.
The South Asian nation has seen a significant increase in rape cases in recent years, with many incidents going unreported due to social stigma and fear of retaliation. According to the Pakistan National Commission on the Status of Women, over 11,000 cases of rape were reported in 2021 alone.
In August 2023, Pakistan’s first-ever anti-rape crisis cell was launched at the Karachi Police Surgeon’s Office in the southern Sindh province, while another was established at Nishtar Hospital in the eastern province of Punjab. Activists and experts have called for greater support and stronger laws for survivors to address the issue.
“The federal government Polyclinic Hospital with technical support from UN Women and funding from the US Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) has launched the ARCC at Polyclinic Hospital in Islamabad,” the UN Women said in a statement.
Such facilities would serve as essential resource centers, providing a range of services to survivors, including medical and psychological support, legal aid, and counselling, it said, highlighting that the ARCC would operate round the clock with “robust security measures” in place.
The launch of the cell was attended by the Polyclinic Hospital’s Gynecology department head, Dr. Naushin Farooq, UN Women’s Saman Ahsan, US embassy official Carrie Basnight, Deputy Director at National Health Services Ministry Dr. Sophia Younas and Anti-Rape Special
Committee Chairperson Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq among others.
“ARCCs serve as essential pillars in our collective efforts to combat sexual violence and ensure the rights and well-being of rape survivors,” Ahsan said. “By providing comprehensive services and support, these cells play a pivotal role in empowering survivors to reclaim their lives and seek justice.”
Basnight, the US official, appreciated the Pakistani government’s commitment to advocate for the protection of survivor rights.
“I commend the federal government and UN Women for establishing the ARCC,” the official said. “Sexual violence is not only a local issue but a global challenge that requires collective action.”
Dr. Younas of the National Health Services Ministry emphasized the Pakistani government’s commitment to eliminating sexual violence and offering extensive support to survivors.
“As we gather to inaugurate Islamabad’s ARCC, we mark a crucial milestone in our unwavering pursuit of justice and safety for all citizens,” she said. “The creation of this crisis cell highlights the government’s dedication and the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders in our ongoing fight against sexual violence.”
The UN Women said the launch of the facility in Islamabad represented a “significant advancement in the quest for justice and support” for survivors of sexual assaults.
