Quetta: In a significant step toward enhancing women’s rights and safety, Balochistan’s government, led by Deputy Speaker and Chairperson of the Women Parliamentary Caucus Ghazla Gola, is pushing forward with initiatives to establish government-run safe shelters equipped with essential facilities for women.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Balochistan, the initiative was discussed during a consultation meeting at a local hotel, which focused on the draft law of the Asylum Act 2024. The event saw participation from prominent figures including Provincial Minister of Education Rahila Durrani, Provincial Planning Minister Mir Zahoor Ahmed Bulidi, and other key members of the Provincial Assembly and legal experts.

During the meeting, Deputy Speaker Gola emphasized the ongoing efforts in Balochistan to draft comprehensive laws that ensure women’s rights and protection, aiming for gender equality in all legislative actions. She highlighted the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for women through these shelters, noting that these facilities would be established exclusively at the government level to ensure proper oversight and provision of services.

Provincial Education Minister Rahila Durrani voiced support for the proposed draft laws, specifically the Balochistan Women Protection Act 2024 and a bill to raise the legal marriage age for girls to 18. She called for collective efforts among assembly members to pass these significant legislations.

Further, Provincial Minister for Planning Mir Zahoor Ahmed Bulidi affirmed the parliamentarians’ responsibility to back these measures, especially the women’s protection bill, suggesting strategies to garner more support from the standing committee.

Fauzia Shaheen, Chairperson of the Commission on the Status of Women Balochistan, updated that the women’s protection bill was under review by the law department and expressed optimism about its passage through the provincial assembly. She underscored the vital role of advocacy by organizations like Shirkat Gah in pushing for these legal reforms.

The meeting concluded with a unified commitment to combat discriminatory practices and promote the safety and welfare of women in Balochistan, with further lobbying planned to ensure the enactment of these crucial laws.