The introductory meeting of Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi (Country Representative UN Women Pakistan) was held in the office of the Prof. Dr. Zohra Khanum (Principal Services Institute of Medical Sciences / Services Hospital Lahore) to express gratitude on the unmatched support by the SIMS management in establishing the Lahore’s first Anti-Rape Crises Cell (ARCC). This Anti Rape Crises Cell (ARCC) is a support to the government of the Punjab on the implementation of the Anti-Rape Investigation and Trial Act 2021. Tahaffuz program is funded by the U.S. Embassy Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) in three districts of Punjab (Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan).

According to the Rules of Business (RoBs) the ARCC is an extended support to the victims of the sexual and gender-based violence regardless to their class, creed, and gender. UN Women have trained number of Medico-legal doctors on the forensic evidence collection from Punjab Forensic Science Punjab (PFSA), Lahore. In meeting both dignities discussed to enhance the quality, and evidence collection mechanism, and invite a strategic dialogue with Police, Punjab Forensic Science Agency, and medico-legal doctors to develop a robust, efficient, and effective mechanism at the time of medico-legal examination. Prof. Dr. Zohra Khanum (Principal Services Institute of Medical Sciences / Services Hospital Lahore) assured that Services Hospital, and Department of Forensic medicine and toxicology, will continue its’ efforts to handle victims of sexual and gender-based violence according to the law, and its insinuations. Ms. Saman Ahsan Manager Ending Violence Against Women (EVAW), Governance, and Human Rights UN Women also accompanied Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, In affirming that UN Women will meticulously document the survivor’s journey through the perspective of forensic evidence. Mr. Jamshed M. Kazi, Country Representative of UN Women in Pakistan, emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts to overcome the obstacles in achieving justice. This important meeting was coordinated by Ms. Sidra Humayun Programme Coordinator ‘Access to Justice’, Punjab UN Women.