The conviction rate in gender discrimination cases continue to decline in the country as over 450 cases related to gender discrimination are pending in Islamabad’s district and session court, reported 24NewsHDTV Channel on Friday.
The gender discrimination cases are registered under various sections, including rape, domestic violence, and other gender-related offences against women.
According to an official data, the court had delivered verdicts in 211 cases and only five accused were convicted, while 206 were acquitted. Shockingly, 98pc of the accused were set free, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the justice system in protecting victims of gender-based violence. Court sources said that most people were found not guilty because the cases were settled outside the court.
The accused parties preferred reconciliation in cases of rape, domestic violence, and women are forced to reconcile because of pressure from their families and society, lawyers said.
The lawyers stressed that the Government should enact formal legislation to protect the identity of the plaintiff, and most women prefer reconciliation due to daily court battles.
Lawyers have called on the government to introduce formal legislation to protect the identity of plaintiffs.