The Ministry of Law and Justice, in partnership with NADRA and the National Police Bureau, has officially launched Pakistan’s first National Sex Offenders Register at a dedicated ceremony.
This groundbreaking initiative seeks to reduce sexual violence and abuse by establishing a proactive and effective system for institutions and the public, according to a press release issued on Monday.
As stipulated by Section 24 of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, NADRA was assigned to create a register of sex offenders.
In collaboration with a Special Committee formed under the Act, the Ministry of Law and Justice announced rules for the register in September 2023. The Special Committee also oversees the full implementation of the legal framework against sexual violence, which includes the creation and enforcement of the National Sex Offenders Register.
Developed and tested by NADRA, the system is now under the operational control of the National Police Bureau, which will work closely with provincial law enforcement agencies.
Chairperson of the Anti-Rape Special Committee, Ms. Ayesha Raza Farooq, emphasized the importance of the initiative, noting, “One of the most significant initiatives under the Anti-Rape Act, 2021, is the establishment of the National Sex Offenders Register, which will track convicted offenders following their release from prison.”