The Lahore High Court has issued significant directives to the Punjab government aimed at improving conditions in Women Shelter Homes (Dar-ul-Aman) facilities, including the removal of male employees, the creation of a monitoring database, and the installation of CCTV cameras.
This ruling follows a petition submitted by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other organizations, which highlighted the lack of protective measures for girls in these facilities and the inadequate implementation of women’s rights and the Child Protection Act.
Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh delivered a detailed 36-page judgment after hearing arguments from both sides. The court mandated that the Punjab government establish regulations under the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016, within six months. These rules are intended to govern all shelter homes and protective centers, as well as to create guidelines for operating child protection institutions.
The court has also called for the formation of women protection committees in every district and for comprehensive training for staff involved in the protective system, including district women protection officers. Additionally, it directed that each District and Sessions judge should conduct assessments of relevant Dar-ul-Aman facilities at least every two months.
To support the economic rehabilitation of women living in these facilities, the court ordered the provision of vocational training. Furthermore, the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau has been instructed to develop regulations for child protection institutions and ensure their registration, along with the establishment of child protection units at both tehsil and district levels.
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The court emphasized the need for transparency, requiring that all relevant information about Dar-ul-Aman and shelter homes be made available on a dedicated website.
In its ruling, the court highlighted that the existing Dar-ul-Aman and Dar-ul-Falah facilities were established under the Punjab Rules of Business 2011 and operate under guidelines issued by the Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal Department. However, the court expressed concern over the unclear legal basis for the establishment of crisis centers by the federal Women Development Department, noting that, under the Women Protection Act 2016, shelter homes were to be established in all districts of Punjab. Currently, only Multan has operational shelter homes.
