Lahore: A delegation from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Dastak has met with Dr. Lubna Nazir, Director General of the Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA), to discuss proposed amendments to the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act, 2016.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting focused on a legislative action note that identified significant gaps in the current legal framework. The note proposed enhancements informed by the act’s implementation experience, judicial concerns, stakeholder consultations, and emerging trends in domestic violence.

The proposed amendments focus on three primary areas: insufficient legal definitions, the absence of a specific criminal offence for domestic violence, and weaknesses in enforcement mechanisms. The note also pointed out challenges in implementation, such as inconsistent police responses, court delays, execution difficulties of court orders, inadequate shelter facilities, shortages of trained personnel, and poor coordination among relevant institutions.

Dr. Lubna Nazir stressed the necessity of involving all stakeholders in further consultations to address the identified gaps, review pertinent laws, and develop concrete proposals for legislative amendments. The meeting highlighted the critical need to strengthen legal and institutional responses to violence against women and girls, enhance implementation, and ensure accessible protection and remedies for survivors.