Islamabad: A delegation from the Legal Aid Society met today with the Federal Minister for Law and Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar to discuss ongoing efforts and challenges in combating sexual and gender-based violence in Pakistan. The meeting focused on strengthening the collaboration between the Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA) and the Legal Aid Society to enhance legal aid services nationwide.

According to Press Information Department, the Minister expressed his commitment to comprehensive reforms in the Qanoon-e-Shahadat and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) aimed at protecting the rights of victims and witnesses. He highlighted that reforms to LAJA are underway to ensure that criminal proceedings are free from external influences. The Minister also emphasized that these reforms would protect the rights of every victim and prevent the manipulation of the law by influential parties.

The representatives of the Legal Aid Society briefed the Minister on their extensive work across the country, including efforts to provide legal aid to victims of sexual violence. They also discussed the significant contributions of the organization in enhancing protection mechanisms and building the capacity of stakeholders involved in addressing sexual and gender-based violence. The Minister commended the Legal Aid Society for its role in creating safer environments for women and children affected by such violence, thereby advancing justice and human rights in Pakistan.