Karachi: Around 19,547 cases of women abuse have been reported in Sindh alone in 2009, the highest number of cases registered in any province according to the data compiled by the Madadgar Helpline.

Meanwhile, 2812 cases have been reported in the Punjab, 896 in the NWFP, and some 321 cases in Balochistan. With regards to child abuse, 5564 cases were reported throughout the country with Sindh having 1987.

The data was revealed by Zia Ahmed Awan during the visit of Akbar Ali, Provincial Ombudsman, Balochistan, at the Madadgar Helpline office here on Friday afternoon.

Speaking on the occasion, Ali shared news about the launch of a Child Complaint Cell at the Provincial Ombudsman’s office in Balochistan, and stated that the staff at the cell itself went out to collect complaints related to children.

“I am extremely proud to tell you that the cell is headed by a woman advocate who was bold enough to break free of the shackles of the conservative Balochi society.” The in charge visits private and government schools and takes notice of all the problems including corporal punishment, lack of school books and others. Also, the cell is open to anyone to register their cases, and so far 1,200 cases have been registered, he informed.

Meanwhile Awan emphasised that there should be partnership between government and private institutions so that the two could work in unison to provide justice to children.
Source: The News
Date:12/19/2009