The Federal Ombudsperson visited the Violence Against Women Center in Multan to assess ongoing measures aimed at addressing violence against women, underscoring collaborative efforts to ensure accountability, safety, and justice for women in South Punjab.
Established as a comprehensive facility operating 24 hours a day, the Violence Against Women Center (VAWC) in Multan plays a critical role in combating gender-based violence. Run entirely by women, the center integrates medical support, police assistance, registration of First Information Reports (FIRs), prosecutorial services, forensic investigation, and rehabilitation facilities dedicated specifically to addressing violence against women, all within a single location. It was established under the amended Punjab Protection of Violence Against Women Act 2022.
During her visit, Federal Ombudsperson Ms. Fauzia Viqar met with senior police officers, including Superintendent of Police (SP) Ms. Kainat Azhar, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Ms. Bareera Bullo, and Station House Officer (SHO) Ms. Iram Haneef. Together, they evaluated the effectiveness of current systems for combating gender-based violence and discussed important insights from recent cases handled at the facility.
In addition to sharing their experiences and feedback, the officers provided Ms. Viqar a comprehensive tour of the Women’s Police Station, a dedicated facility representing a significant advance in the region’s infrastructure towards creating a safer and more supportive environment for women. This collaborative review reaffirms a shared commitment by provincial and federal authorities towards strengthening mechanisms of justice, accountability, and women’s protection in South Punjab.
