A.Reply to paragraph 1 of the list of issues

1.The MoHR has commissioned and completed an extensive study to harmonize national legislation with international human rights obligations made by the GoP, to identify gaps and enact new laws.

2.The GoP is in the process of amending the Article 25 of the Constitution. The proposed amendment expands the definition of Equality and Discrimination. It proposes that the State shall not discriminate directly or indirectly against anyone on grounds of race, gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status, ethnic or social origin, colour, age, disability, religion or language; and promote the achievement of equality, by taking measures designed to promote those disadvantaged by discrimination and undertake legislation to enforce and ensure equality for all citizens. This wider scope of the constitutional protection of equality has been proposed in view of the obligations and commitments under the UDHR and other international conventions ratified by Pakistan.

3.Various legal enactments and amendments have been introduced for the advancement and protection of women, including the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the Name or on Pretext of Honor) Act, 2016; the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences relating to Rape) Act, 2016; the Women Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Act, 2018; the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Act, 2018; the Election Act, 2017; the Punjab Domestic Workers Act, 2018.

4.The Supreme Court of Pakistan has reaffirmed the idea that the State is competent to make any special provisions for the protection of women and children.

5.In 2008, when an attempt was made to declare reserved seats for women in the National Assembly as un-Islamic and unlawful, the Supreme Court of Pakistan relied on Article 34 and held that the Constitutional scheme was such that it allowed for special safeguards for women, thus making reserved seats lawful.

6.The Lahore High Court in 2017 restored Section 7 of the Christian Divorce Act, 1869 (which was previously omitted) on the grounds that it was an affront to the rights of minorities. This landmark judgment provided Christian citizens with wider grounds to claim a divorce.

7.At the provincial level, different provinces have introduced various laws and administrative measures according to their needs. The Government of Sindh has introduced various legislation to ensure that the definition of discrimination as set out in CEDAW is systematically implemented, e.g. the Protection against Harassment at the Workplace Act, 2018; Sindh Child Marriages Restraint Act, 2016; and Sindh Home Based workers Act, 2018.

8.The KPK Government had introduced the Women Empowerment Policy (WEP) in 2017 which addresses different dimensions of discrimination and proposes measures to be taken to ensure their empowerment in all spheres of social, political, legal and economic life.

9.The KPKWDD is making ongoing efforts to create sensitization among staff on equality between women and men through a series of consultations on its WEP. A Gender Mainstreaming Steering Committee has also been formulated to provide guidance and oversight for implementation of WEP. Human rights and women rights desks in police stations have been constituted to ensure effective implementation of the Convention, besides appointment of women medico legal officers at district levels and training of police personnel on gender responsive policing.

10.Various legislative measures have been taken including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rights Rehabilitation and Empowerment of Person with Disabilities Bill, 2019; Acid & Burn Crime Bill, 2019; Burn Prevention and Rehabilitation Act, 2018; Domestic Violence Bill; Hindu Marriage Act (KPK); and Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2010 (Amended by KPK in 2018). The KPK Government has established a toll-free helpline by the name of “BOLO” at the Directorate of Social Welfare for assistance of survivors of GBV and women with disabilities.

11.The Government of Punjab has introduced many laws addressing discrimination – the Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act, 2014; the Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 2015, the Punjab Partition of Immovable Property Act, 2013; the Punjab Reproductive, Mental, Neo-Natal and Child Health Authority Act, 2014; the Punjab Maternity Benefits (Amendment) Bill, 2015; the Punjab Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2014; the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016; and the Punjab Family courts (Amendment) Act, 2015. The Punjab Bar Council has 8,393 registered female advocates which is 12 percent of the total number of advocates. Punjab Bar Council’s Legal Aid Society provides legal aid to marginalized men and women and has 774 registered Advocates, including 49 women. To eliminate gender discrimination, the WDD, Punjab has also formulated a Women Development Policy.

12.The WDD, Balochistan is playing a significant role to promote gender equality. In this regard, the Gender Equality & Women Empowerment Policy for social, economic and political empowerment of women has been approved and notified. Pro‑women legislation as indicated above has also been promulgated by the Government of Balochistan. The Government of Balochistan, Social Welfare Department provides free legal aid and financial compensation to victims of discrimination, women with disabilities and religious minorities.

13.The Declaration (entered upon ratification of CEDAW) facilitated Pakistan’s accession of the Convention and represents our legal and policy position on the matter. The Declaration was carefully worded and its objective was not to go against the object and purpose of CEDAW. International Human Rights law works in consonance with national laws. Whilst the basic international human rights standards are agreed globally on consensus-based approach, every country has the right to pursue its path of realization of human rights agenda. The religious, historical and cultural sensitivities are to be taken into consideration as well. Pakistan is implementing the Convention in line with international human rights law and its Constitution.

14.The Constitution of Pakistan was adopted in 1973. Its authors had the benefit of studying the UDHR, the ICERD, the ICCPR, and the ICESCR – the major International human rights instruments then in existence. Their principles are reflected well in our Constitution. All the fundamental freedoms and basic human rights are properly safeguarded in our Constitution. There is a complete chapter in our Constitution ensuring protection of fundamental rights of citizens. Therefore, in substance, the declaration does not have a negative effect in the implementation of CEDAW, while at the same time enabling Pakistan to accede to CEDAW.

15.Moreover, in practice, there do not appear to be any legislative, policy or administrative actions taken by the Government, which contravene provision of CEDAW on basis of the declaration. The shortcomings, if any, in the implementation of CEDAW, inevitable in any country, are not directly attributable to the declaration.

B.Reply to paragraph 2 of the list of issues

16.The MoHR, the NCSW and provincial CSWs, and NCHR are collectively working to ensure implementation of CEDAW through legislative measures, policies, research, awareness sessions and other projects. The review of CEDAW implementation have been made to identify policy and legislative measures still required. In this regard, focal persons have been identified in all the relevant provincial departments for better coordination. Government of Balochistan has re‑notified the Provincial CEDAW Committee.

17.Amongst the draft legislation indicated in the Annex III of the CEDAW Report, the laws [the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the Name or on Pretext of Honor) Act, 2016; the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences relating to Rape) Act, 2016; and the Criminal Law (Second Amendment) Act, 2011 (for acid control and acid crimes)] have been enacted. Additional laws that have been passed include the Women Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Act 2018; the National Commission on the Status of Women (Amendment) Act, 2018; the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016; and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2018).

18.A number of legal reforms have been made to incorporate provisions of CEDAW into national law. Such reforms include section 310-A of PPC which criminalizes the giving of females in marriage or otherwise in badla-e-sulh, wanni or swara; Section 498A of PPC which deals with cases where women are deprived from inheriting property through deceitful or illegal means. The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act (2018), which specifies that trafficking includes the recruiting, harbouring or transporting of an individual for ‘compelled labour or commercial sex acts’ and imposes harsher penalties against those who traffic women or children and, significantly, the offence of trafficking includes internal and external trafficking.

19.Laws regarding rape have been revised to protect the rights of the victims. The Protection of Women (Criminal Law Amendment) Act in 2006 has repealed the offence of Zina Bil Jabr and inserted the offence of Rape in the PPC under section 375 and 376. The Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences relating to Rape) Act, 2016 further improved the laws surrounding Rape, including evidentiary matters and the manner of conducting trial, by inserting various provisions in the PPC. As a result of these legal amendments, the State and courts have aggressively pursued reported cases of rape and ensured justice for the victims – e.g. the perpetrator in the Zainab rape case involving a minor girl was caught, tried in court and the case has led to the Zainab Alert Bill, 2019, currently under consideration by the National Assembly.

20.Other safeguards granted to victims of sexual violence include free legal aid for the victim under Section 161A of the PPC, rape trials to be conducted in-camera and screens may be used to protect the victim and witnesses. The proceedings are to be fast-tracked and the Provincial Government cannot interfere in sentences of rape.

C.Reply to paragraph 3 of the list of issues

21.In Pakistan, each province has a High Court which exercises jurisdiction over the entire province pursuant to Article 199 of the Constitution. The Supreme Court has jurisdiction over all of Pakistan under Article 184 of the Constitution whereby constitutional petitions may be filed for matters of public importance. The Supreme Court usually entertains cases of Fundamental Rights under this Article of the Constitution.

22.To improve access to justice for women, the MoHR is operating a toll-free helpline (1099) to provide free legal aid to women and anyone seeking help with respect to redressal of grievances. The Women in Distress and Detention Fund is also providing monetary assistance to aggrieved women.

23.Women’s access to justice reforms in Sindh include legal aid and victim protection mechanisms; legal advisory services; women protection cells; women helpdesks at police stations; child protection units; awareness raising and modernisation of the Sindh police and Citizen Police Liaison Committees to improve relations between the public and the police; Alternate Dispute Resolution projects; trainings to strengthen knowledge of human rights, the rule of law and conflict-sensitivity in Sindh’s security and justice sectors; and the introduction of legislation to protect women’s rights.

24.An Integrated Victim Support Network exists in KPK and recently a joint consultative workshop was held to improve access to justice. A helpline has been established to provide legal advice to women.

25.The Rule of Law (RoL) Roadmap for Balochistan aims to introduce reforms in the judicial sector. The RoL Roadmap focuses on institutional development of the Rule of Law institutions, Gender and Citizens’ Access to Justice. WDD has notified the Technical Working Group to support the recommendations of the RoL roadmap on Gender Equality and women empowerment.

26.WDD, Balochistan in collaboration with CSOs is working on establishment of Women Protection Unit, development of a helpline, rights-based services, legal aid, awareness and legislation for women rights. and mitigation of GBV.

27.In Punjab, the Punjab Women’s Helpline provides information to women, referral to relevant institutions and lodges complaints of violation of women’s rights. The helpline has to-date received 143,830 calls related to various kinds of violence against women, harassment, child marriages, forced marriages, rape, murder and property matters. 16 separate family court complexes have been established in the District Headquarters of Punjab in order to provide congenial atmosphere for resolution of family disputes. Public Prosecution Department has established 19 Legal Advice Centres for women in Punjab. Under the Punjab Women Empowerment Initiatives, women friendly helpdesks have been established at Police Stations across Punjab.

28.In 2017, the Lahore High Court and district judiciary Lahore inaugurated Pakistan’s first Gender Based Violence Court which ensures speedy and confidential trials, reduces harassment and provides security against reprisals to survivors. 123 cases involving violence against women have been transferred to the Special Court.

29.Jirgas and Panchayats are embedded in the socio-cultural system; however, there had been some complaints regarding their working in the past. In order to address this issue, they were formalized as ADR mechanisms. This system brings the traditional dispute resolution mechanisms into mainstream judicial system and under the supervision of judiciary and administration. Secondly, given the speedy, cost effective and non-cumbersome methodology of ADRs, they have been highly efficient and effective in addressing the disputes particularly those related to women. The women do not have to fear the length and hectic formalities of the court system and readily get justice. Moreover, ADR mechanisms are in line with our legal framework and complement our existing judicial system. Judicial review and oversight are available.

30.National Assembly in February passed “The Alternate Dispute Resolution Bill, 2017” to deal with both civil and criminal cases presented by the Federal Ministry of Law and Justice. The Alternate Dispute Resolution Act, 2017 formally recognises alternate dispute resolution mechanisms as an effective alternative to the already existing judicial procedures of such disputes that are listed in the Act. Under the ADR Act, the Federal Government shall notify such neutral persons who will be empowered to resolve such disputes between the parties outside of courts. Furthermore, civil matters that fall under the mandate of this Act include a dispute between a landlord and tenant, property disputes; civil matters under the Small Claims and Minor Offences Courts Ordinance 2002; commercial disputes including but not limited to any claim, right or interest arising out of trade or commerce, contractual cases, professional negligence cases, negotiable instruments, personal injury; disputes for recovery of movable property or separate possession of joint immoveable property through partition, redemption of mortgaged property; and nuisance matters and for criminal matters in compoundable offences.

31.Similarly, the ADR mechanism also exists at the provincial level – in Sindh, the National Centre for Dispute Resolution, established with the approval of the High Court of Sindh, has initiated a community mediation project to resolve disputes; in Punjab the ADR mechanism has been introduced through local councils called Panchayats in Villages and Musalihat Anjumans for amicable settlements of disputes in cities; in KPK, Dispute Resolution Councils have been launched and incorporated into the criminal justice system as an alternate dispute resolution mechanism and in 2017, 2470 men and 169 women submitted their disputes for resolution through DRCs.

32.MoHR has launched a campaign on inheritance of women and remedies available to them. The campaign was supported by the CCI. The Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Ordinance, 2019 which has been recently promulgated, addresses the grievances of women over inherited assets and their disputes would be resolved on expedited basis. Punjab CSW developed advocacy material regarding awareness of pro-women laws and recent amendments about protection and promotion of women rights, including MFLO, Inheritance Property Rights of Women, Prevention against early age Marriage and Forced Marriage, and Registration of Birth and Deaths. Awareness sessions were conducted in Women Colleges and Universities, distributed Brochures, Hand Bills, Pamphlet, and Flexes in 36 Districts of the Punjab.

D.Reply to paragraph 4 of the list of issues

33.The NCHR is an independent statuary body empowered with powers of a civil court, it exercises full financial autonomy and has strong summoning and investigative powers. In 2018–2019, the total budget allocated to the NCHR was increased by 126% from the previous year to PKR 92 million. The salaries of Chairman and members of the Commission are considerably more than the highest-ranking members of the MoHR.

34.Working in close collaboration with the MoHR, the NCSW is the national lead gender equality entity and has complete financial and human resource independence and autonomy. The Commission also has powers to seek and receive information, data or documents from any official source and powers of a civil court to enforce attendance of any person and production of documents.

35.The NCSW has published many reports, in addition to the annual reports, on the current status of women in Pakistan including ‘A Policy Framework For Women’s Equal Rights: Issues, Concerns and Recommendations for Gendered Policy’, ‘Women, Violence and Jirgas: Consensus and Impunity in Pakistan’, ‘Women’s Economic Participation and Empowerment in Pakistan: Status Report 2016’; ‘Access to Justice for Survivors of Sexual Assault’ (2017); and ‘Standardized Indicators on Violence Against Women in Pakistan’ (2015).

36.In addition, the NCSW has undertaken a project entitled ‘Countering GBV Through Research, Data Strengthening and Standardization’ in partnership, with the USAID’s Gender Equality Programme, with the aim to strengthen the mechanisms for adequate data collection, compilation, reporting, tracking, analysis and dissemination of information about gender based violence at the national level to be able to advise changes at the policy level.

37.Some other initiatives undertaken by the NCSW include tracking high profile cases like Qandeel Baloch case (honour killing) and Tayyaba case (child domestic labour); developing SOPs to document complaints and referrals; maintaining a database of violence against women survivors; developing standardized indicators on violence against women in Pakistan; constituting a commission with recommendations to prevent forced conversions and marriages. A total of 108 complaints against violation of women’s rights were received by NCSW and addressed through referral.

38.NCHR has addressed 274 cases of ‘women related issues’ from December of 2015 to October of 2018 and published reports on women’s rights including ‘Challenges Faced by Rural Women in Pakistan’ (2019) and ‘Report on Honora Killing’ (2019).

39.At the provincial level, in Punjab, the functions of the Women’s Development departments are clearly mentioned in the Punjab Government Rules of Business as per the role given in Schedule II of the Punjab Government Rules of Business, 2011. In Sindh, various departments and bodies dealing with women’s issues have been centralized under the Sindh WDD.

40.The WDD, Balochistan has constituted a ‘Search Committee’ under the Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2017. Rules of Business in respect of the Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2017 are in the process of being drafted.

41.In order to streamline and harmonize the efforts by multiple institutions relevant to KPK, the Women Empowerment Policy, 2017 has been formulated which defines the roles and responsibilities of various institutions/departments and the KPCSW met with members of various Commissions to discuss their roles and responsibilities.

E.Reply to paragraph 5 of the list of issues

42.Pakistan has always remained proactive in adapting to requirements of the UN Peacekeeping regime, particularly in the context of increased female representation. Pakistan has already deployed the mandated strength of 16% or 24 female peacekeepers, with 9 posted at the UN Mission at Congo, 6 at Darfur 2 at Central African Republic, 5 at South Sudan and 2 at Cyprus to make a total of 24 female peacekeepers. Pakistan has employed 35 female paramedic staff as part of the contingents at Darfur and Congo. Pakistan deployed its first Female Engagement Team, comprising 15 female officers, with an infantry battalion in UN Mission Congo.

43.The women, peace, and security (WPS) agenda calls for women’s participation in decision making and incorporating a gender perspective in response to protracted emergency and crisis. Women are adequately represented in the federal and provincial parliaments and are also sitting ministers and secretaries, heading different government departments. This ensures that they have say in the decision-making. Women police force in Pakistan is also on the rise steadily. At present 2% women constitute total police force of Pakistan. In addition, twenty (20) Women Police Stations have been established in different cities.

44.The Post Crisis Needs Assessment for KPK and FATA (which has now been merged with KPK) was conducted in 2010 by the Asian Development Bank, European Union, World Bank and United Nations, in collaboration with the provincial Government of KPK and the FATA Secretariat with strong gender mainstreaming recommendations across administrative, social and economic spheres for women.

45.Over the decade since the Mega floods of 2010, NDMA and its respective PDMAs have demonstrated greater ability in disaster response coordination and relief. With the Gender and Child Cell in place since 2010, NDMA now also partners with a range of actors including UNFPA to bolster the gender responsiveness of its work.

46.The Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (EWS) and comprehensive Policy Guidelines provide advance warning to both decision makers and communities. It has a people centred and gender sensitive approach to ensure the life, livelihood and property of affected communities can be saved. Similarly, the tools of risk assessment and heat mapping are gender sensitized to ensure mitigation and protection from GBV and access to essential services including relief and evacuation information on women friendly spaces and psycho-social care.

47.Human trafficking is prohibited in line with the Constitution as well as Prevention Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018. Federal Investigating Agency (FIA) takes cognizance of crimes related to international trafficking in collaboration with relevant authorities. Besides, section 369 (A), 370 and 371 of the PPC deal with the internal trafficking. Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 and Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018 have been enacted.

F.Reply to paragraph 6 of the list of issues

48.The Federal Government has reserved 10% quota for employment of women in federal government jobs in respect of all posts to be filled by direct recruitment, in addition to compete for positions to be filled by open merit.

49.In Punjab, the Representation of Women in Public Bodies and Local Governance and Punjab Fair Representation of Women Act 2014 requires the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC) to reserve a quota of 15% for women in all public sector jobs. The Punjab Gender Parity Report 2018 shows that 21% district government offices and 27% provincial institutions and bodies met the 15% requirement. For instance, in Punjab, 15 Boards, 96 Committees and 4 Taskforces meet the 33% quota requirement for representation of women. 57% district government offices and 68% provincial government offices meet the requirement of having at least one female member of Selection and Recruitment Committees.

50.To build the capacity of female candidates for governance in the public sector, three types of mentoring sessions were designed under the Women in Leadership Project. In Sindh, the reserved quota for women in employment sector is 15% at all levels.

51.As far as implementation status of reserved women quota is concerned, the Government of Balochistan has reserved 5% of total number of posts in all Government Departments for women, in addition to their participation against the open merit posts. Government of Balochistan intends to enhance this quota to 10%.

52.KPK has a uniform policy for 10% reserved quota for women. To enhance the participation of women into workforce, WDD has ensured 33% representation of women in public sector companies, regulatory bodies, special task forces and committees at decision making level. Further, to increase the eligibility of women to enter into government service, 3 years age relaxation has been notified as a special dispensation to women to enable them to join professional career after marriage and childbearing.

53.The Sindh Local Government Act, 2013 ensures 22% participation of women at the local government level; the KPK Local Government Act ensures 33% participation of women; the Balochistan Local Government Act, 2010 requires 33% participation of women; and the Punjab Local Government Act, 2019 requires 14% participation of women.

54.MoHR launched a project to organize sensitization session for capacity building of prosecutors and court officials on women specific laws – twelve capacity building workshops were arranged and 467 prosecutors and court officials were sensitized and trained on pro-women legislation and issues related to women.

55.The Federal Judicial Academy includes the subject of “International Human Rights Conventions Ratified by Pakistan and the Role of Judges in their implementation” as a specially designed subject for the judges. Further, it provides Gender Sensitization within the national legal framework and CEDAW training. These are regular subjects taught to judges, prosecutors, lawyers and court staff.

56.Gender Sensitization trainings of Judges in Punjab are a regular feature. From 2016–2019, 22 training programs were held to sensitize 1168 judges and court staff on gender and discrimination. The PCSW also conducted awareness session with Punjab Women’s Parliamentary Caucus on inheritance laws, Transfer of Property Act, and their respective penalties. The KPK Judicial Academy has also conducted various trainings on women’s rights, gender mainstreaming, women empowerment and women’s right on inheritance.

57.The Balochistan Judicial Academy has carried out several trainings with Judges, Prosecutors, Commissioners, Magistrates, Magistrates, Investigation Officers and newly enrolled lawyers of Balochistan Bar Council on various topics including: Juvenile Justice System, Women and Children’s Rights; Inheritance Laws, Harassment of Women, Child Rights and prevention of early marriages. The Balochistan Judicial Academy plans to further enhance capacity building of Judicial Officers through Access to Justice Program and youth Development Program. In KPK, the WDD has arranged consultations on Women Empowerment Policy, 2017 for legislators, judges and law enforcement officials.

G.Reply to paragraph 7 of the list of issues

58.To raise awareness about women’s rights, International Women Day, Rural Women’s Day, Girl Child Day, International Human Rights Day, 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence and National Working Women Day are commemorated at national level. MoHR also imparts trainings and raises awareness in local languages at schools and universities through sensitization seminars, and consultative sessions on Right to Inheritance, Early Marriage, Child Labour and child sexual abuse. MoHR has relied on popular media persons to act as Brand Ambassadors. For this cause the famous singer Shehzad Roy and actress Mehwish Hayet have spoken out against sexual abuse and the education of girls. To sensitize people about importance of girls’ education and rights, an effective campaign was launched through truck art; the painting of trucks with strong messages for girl’s education and empowerment.

59.Moreover, a campaign regarding family laws and women’s inheritance was conducted with support of the Council of Islamic Ideology Council, with the Chairman publicly speaking out in support of women’s right to inheritance. Messages on issues of child and forced marriages, women rights, birth registration processes and sexual harassment at workplace have also been telecast on public and private media channels.

60.The KPCSW has arranged campaigns for awareness rising on pro-women laws. The Commission has also arranged workshops with CSOs and Religious Leaders on Pro-Women Laws.

61.In Sindh, the WDD is finalizing a policy on gender equality and women empowerment which is to be launched soon. With support of UN-WOMEN, the WDD also conducted awareness sessions on “How to respond to Gender Based Violence & access to service providers”.

62.Punjab CSW developed a comprehensive Training Manual, containing updated information on MFLO, other pro-women laws and amendments for the training of all the Nikkah Registrars and Local Government & Community Development (LG &CD) Union Councils officials. In 8 Divisions of Punjab 310 Master Trainers have been trained who imparted training to Nikah Registrars and LG&CD officials in their respective districts.

63.The National Federal Education and Professional Training, National Curriculum Council has revised curriculum of all core subjects from class pre-1 to class VII in Islamabad in which negative stereotyping of women has been completely removed from the textbooks.

64.The Balochistan Education Department with support of WDD constituted a committee comprising Gender specialists and other experts for revision of curricula to address negative stereotyping of women in the textbooks. Moreover, the Balochistan Secondary Education Department has developed provincial Curriculum for Urdu (Grade I–V), to include equal representation of gender roles and eliminate discriminatory stereotypes.

65.The WEP in KPK emphasizes revision of the existing curricula to address negative stereotyping of women. KP Education Department is also in process of revising the curriculum to address negative stereotyping of women. Curriculum of few subjects such as Urdu (I–V), health and physical education (I–XII) and regional languages have been developed by Directorate of Education and due care is taken to address negative stereotyping of women in the society.

66.In Punjab, the Punjab Protection of Women against Harassment at Workplace Act is a mandatory part of training courses at government institutions like the Management and Professional Development Department. In addition, Punjab Curriculum Authority aims to include Punjab Women Empowerment Initiatives, Gender Equality and Women Issues in school curricula to create awareness about Government initiative and facilities available for socio-economic empowerment of women.

67.In Punjab, students of colleges and Universities as well as local communities were targeted through 122 awareness sessions to disseminate information about pro‑women laws and the Punjab Women’s Helpline. Punjab CSW is responsible for promoting women’s empowerment and arranges community awareness campaigns – Press Conferences are convened at divisional level during the ‘16 Days of Activism’ program, followed by awareness seminars in public colleges/universities.

68.The MoHR has concluded a Men Engage research on men’s perception of women to eliminate GBV. It aims at engaging men to challenge discriminatory norms and stereotypes that prevent women’s participation in all spheres of life. A national survey on Men’s perceptions towards GBV has been completed in 10 districts of the country. The effective use of media campaign is a primary lesson learnt from the Men Engage research. MoHR will continue the practice of behaviour change campaigns through communication strategies, educating youth on violence against women and girls, better law enforcement, tailored strategies to local realities with participation of local representation and voices, launch of a coordinated multi-sectoral response to violence against women and girls and monitoring evaluating and reporting response measures.

H.Reply to paragraph 8 of the list of issues

69.At the Federal Level, the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences in the Name or on Pretext of Honor) Act, 2016 was passed to protect women from harmful practices such as honour killing and acid throwing. A number of laws have been enacted for eradicating harmful practices against women, including the Sindh Acid Burn Crime Act, 2018; Prevention of Anti women practices criminal Law Act, 2011; and Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013.Since 2014, acid crimes have significantly decreased by approximately 50% in Pakistan.

70.WDD, Balochistan promulgated pro-women laws, policies and strategies to combat and eradicate harmful practices against women and girls including the Balochistan Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2014; the Balochistan Protection Against Harassment of Women At Work Place Act, 2016; and the Balochistan Commission on The Status of Women Act, 2017.

71.Various legislative measures have been taken by KPK to eradicate harmful practices against women in the province including Domestic Violence Bill 2019; Acid & Burn crime Bill (In-Progress); Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Marriages Restraint Bill; and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elimination of Custom of Ghag Act, 2013.

72.The Government of Punjab has brought amendments in the PPC, 1860 on crime of acid throwing by adding section 336-A and 336-B – punishment of life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 14 years and Rs.1.00 Million fine. Moreover, Provincial and District Acid Burn Survivors Boards have been established for medical and psychological care of the victims. To regulate sale, purchase and storage of acids, the Local Government has notified bye-laws for strict compliance at the district level.

73.At present, there are no reported cases of female genital mutilation in Pakistan.

I.Reply to paragraph 9 of the list of issues

74.The Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016 aims to protect women from instances of domestic, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, stalking and cybercrime, perpetrated by their husband(s) and/or relatives. One model Violence Against Women Centre (VAWC) has been established in Multan. The Provincial Assembly has also passed the Punjab Women Protection Authority Act, 2017 to facilitate, ensure and oversee institutional measures stipulated under the Punjab Protection of Women against Violence Act, 2016 under which the court may pass interim protection, residence or monetary orders in favour of the victims. The NCSW is mandated to review the law and propose amendments, call for investigation into specific incidents of domestic violence and also take suo-motu notice of non‑implementation of the Act.

75.In 2017, the Lahore High Court inaugurated Pakistan’s first Gender Based Violence Court to streamline cases involving female survivors of violence against women, provide extraordinary measures to support survivors, ensure speedy and confidential trials, reduce harassment and provide security against reprisals to survivors – 123 cases involving violence against women have been transferred to the Special Court.

76.In Sindh, the Domestic Violence (Protection and Prevention) Act has been passed in 2013. The WDD, with the support of UN Women, has conducted awareness sessions on gender-based violence in different communities.

77.Under the Balochistan Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act, 2014, Protection Committees are formed to spread awareness amongst women about their rights and assist victims of violence.

78.In KPK, various legislative measures have been taken in order to criminalize domestic violence, including the Domestic Violence Bill, 2019; the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Marriages Restraint Bill; the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elimination of Custom of Ghag Act, 2013; and the Enforcement of Women Property Right Act, 2019. The Government of KPK also conducted sessions on GBV response and prevention.

79.The Gender Crime Cell at the National Police Bureau compiles statistical data on crimes against women including sexual violence, acid throwing, domestic violence, honour killing, and harassment at the workplace and law enforcement agencies use this statistical data to make relevant policies for the protection of women’s rights. Relevant data is compiled from multiple sources including registered cases in police stations (FIRs), registered court cases and news reports on crimes against women.

80.During the year 2018, a total of 14,078 cases were reported of violence against women. Out of these, 5355 cases pertained to domestic violence, 703 pertained to honour killing, 53 related to burning, 12 related to vani, 4636 related to sexual violence, and 412 related to harassment at the workplace.

81.To provide support and shelter to victims of domestic violence, various shelters homes (Dar ul Amans) are functional in all provinces to provide residence and rehabilitation to marginalized women.

82.Refer to the response to question 7 above for details on the Men Engage Model Program.

J.Reply to paragraph 10 of the list of issues

83.Legislative measures have been taken to combat trafficking, such as the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018 and the Prevention of Smuggling of Migrants Act, 2018. The Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018, provides for access to accommodation and material assistance to victims of human trafficking on the basis of a court order. This Act aims to curb trafficking by imposing harsh penalties and includes adequate witness protection. Furthermore, children are deemed to be trafficked without requiring proof that they were coerced or forced into it and consent cannot be used as a defence.

84.Section 369-A of the PPC 1860 encompasses offences related to human trafficking. Additionally, section 361 prohibits the kidnapping of a child from their legal guardian and Section 364-A prohibits the kidnapping of a child under 14 for murder, being subject to torture or slavery, or to satisfy ‘the lust of any person’. The Zainab Alert Bill 2019 is currently under consideration to streamline the process for tracing out missing children.

85.The Prohibition of Employment of Children Act has been enacted in every province in which the bonded labour of girls and boys has been prohibited. A national survey on child labour has been initiated in provinces to inform policy and legislative measures for the elimination of child labour. The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1992 prohibits bonded labour and Vigilance Committees have been established under the Act in accordance with the directive of the Supreme Court. The Punjab Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 2012, the Sindh Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 2015, and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 2015 have been enacted at the provincial level and the Balochistan Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Bill has been vetted and is pending approval. The Punjab Prohibition of Child Labour at Brick Kilns Ordinance 2016 also prohibited the employment of anyone younger than 15 years old at brick kilns.

86.In Sindh, the CSW is undertaking a research study on the human trafficking and the findings will be considered and reported by the Sindh CSW. The government is committed to take legislative measures to address the international and internal trafficking of women and girls. Various provincial Shelter Homes, Dar ul Amans and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Human Rights Centres for Women provide assistance, shelter and protection to women who are victims of domestic violence, including those who may have been victims of trafficking.

K.Reply to paragraph 11 of the list of issues

87.The PPC, 1860 criminalizes the buying and selling of persons for the purpose of prostitution. A number of measures have been adopted in all the provinces to safeguard women and girls from being exploited including addressing the root causes. Some of these measures have been referred above.

88.Family Protection & Rehabilitation Centre for Women (FPRCW), Islamabad works under the MoHR and provides counselling and legal and medical aid to women victims of violence. To address the menace of exploitation of women, child welfare homes and shelter homes for women are functional at various cities in all provinces to provide accommodation, food, medical facilities and legal assistance to female victims of violence and informal education to children. The Government of Punjab launched a ‘Women Safety Smart-phone App’ Project, which offers a one button access to the PCSW’s helpline to prevent and combat harassment or any form of violence against women.

L.Reply to paragraph 12 of the list of issues

89.The National Assembly has a total of 342 members, including 60 seats reserved for women (22% women). The seats in the National Assembly are allocated to each Province and the Federal Capital on the basis of population. In the Senate, 17% quota is also applied for women and the number of women Senators is 19 in the House out of 104.Under the Election Act, 2017, seats have been reserved in the National Assembly and Provincial Assembly for women and minorities and political parties are bound to select candidates and ensure at least 5% of those nominated for election to general seats are women.

90.Other than elected and reserved seats in the national assembly, the current government also engages three women ministers, one minister of state, and three women special assistants to ensure the representation and voices of women.

91.Female parliamentarians sponsored 53% private members’ bills, 27% resolutions, 47% Calling Attention Notices, and 32% questions in both Houses of the Parliament. Moreover, they also initiated 40% proposals for amendments to the parliamentary rules of procedure and 39% motions for debate on public importance issues.

92.Presently, more women are being posted at different administrative posts within the Secretariat and in field level assignments in all socio-economical fields and departments, as Secretaries, Assistant Commissioners, etc. In Foreign Service of Pakistan, approximately 20% of the total strength is female officers. Now, more women are being inducted with about 50% female representation in newly inducted batches in diplomatic services.

93.The Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs has ensured to address obstacles which prevent women from participating in voting at elections. A section has been incorporated in the Elections Act 2017, which ensures at least a minimum of 10% of female voters in any constituency. Thus, if the turnout of women voters is less than 10% of the total votes polled in a constituency, the Election Commission may presume that women voters have been restrained from casting their votes, thus they may declare re-polling in such constituency. Key steps have been taken to improve participation of women which include updating and improving the electoral rolls; administrative and legislative reforms such as re-polling in a constituency where the female turnout was below the prescribed threshold; and special measures to register female voters as a result of which 4.3 million female voters were added.

M.Reply to paragraph 13 of the list of issues

94.The total enrolment in all educational institutions in the country was 50.6 million in 2017–18 compared to 48.0 million during 2016–17. An increase of 5.3 percent has been recorded. Refer to Annex I for detailed enrolment and retention rates at all levels.

95.Federal Government in consultation with provincial government departments has developed a new educational policy in ICT that aims to enrol 25 million children out of school in the educational institutes, make a uniform educational system across the country and ensure quality of education. In this regard, special attention is being paid to girl’s enrolment and children living in rural areas and from low-income families. Education has been made free up to class X and there is provision of free books to deserving families. There are 484 schools designated for the region of which 280 are already established in rural areas while 144 are in urban. The remaining schools ‘development project is underway. The gender parity index in girls and boy’s enrolment is demonstrating a positive trend in the ICT region. 7 busses have been provided in ICT region to ensure access to schools. ICT school region curricula have been revised and discriminatory and stereotypical texts have been replaced up till grade VIII.

96.National Vocational & Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training have developed a broader framework to uplift TVET sector in Pakistan and increasing training opportunities for young people as well as re-skilling the existing workers, implementing the National Vocational Qualification Framework and Competency Based Training &Assessment, bridging demand and supply gap of skilled workforce in the country, introducing High-Tech/High-End Training programs, bringing Madrassa(s) and general education into TVET stream. The ultimate objective is to streamline TVET sector and create competent, entrepreneurial, and creative skilled workforce as per demand. More than 200 TVET institutes and 1400 training programs have already been accredited; Competency Based Training modules have been introduced; training program have been arranged for training and capacity building of TVET trainers and managers; and a National Job Portal has been introduced to link skilled workers with employers.

97.In the Federal Capital, the Ministry has revised curriculum of all core subjects from class Pre-I to class VIII and the concept of reproduction is introduced in the General Science of Grade VII. All discriminatory stereotypes regarding gender roles have been removed from the new curriculum whereas women are depicted in empowered roles with regards to professions and involvement in societal interactions. Female role models are included. The importance of female education and gender equality has been highlighted.

98.The KPCSW has requested the Elementary and Secondary Education Department for the Gender Policy/Program, so that it can advise the Education Department on removing the stereotypes from the curricula. The National curriculum developed in 2006 is being implemented in KPK that promotes themes regarding gender equality and human rights.

99.The Government of Balochistan, Secondary Education Department, has established 725 Gender Free Primary Schools, upgraded 95 Government Primary Schools to Middle Level and 25 Government Girls Middle Schools in High Level throughout the Province with the support of Global Partnership for Education. As a result, around 40,000 children who are out of school have been enrolled in these schools, out of which 25,850 are girls. Most of the schools have been established/upgraded in rural areas which previously did not have access to education. Moreover, the Education Department declared all Primary Schools in Balochistan as Gender Free in a bid to improve access to education for all, especially girls. As a result, 58,000 girls who were out of schools, have been enrolled in Gender Free Government primary schools. Additionally, an increase in enrolment and retention of adolescent girls has been witnessed in Balochistan after the provision of toilet facilities in Government Girls Schools as per the target of Balochistan WASH in Schools Strategic plan (2017–22), which was developed with support of UNICEF.

100.The Government of Balochistan, Secondary Education Department has started working on identification of concepts pertaining to Life Skill Based Education (LSBE) in the existing curricula and An Integrated Framework has been developed as to how the important concepts of LSBE which are missing in the curricula and textbooks can be incorporated. A capacity building workshop for writers/authors/developers was organized in 2019 in collaboration with Aahung, a civil society organization, to incorporate the missing concepts of LSBE in the curricula and textbooks.

101.Moreover, the Government of Balochistan, Secondary Education Department has developed the provincial Curriculum for Urdu (Grade I–V), which has almost equal representation of gender roles and are free from discriminatory stereotypes, which have also been recognised by a research study conducted by Gender Unit of Pakistan Reading Project.

102.In Punjab, to increase the retention of girls in the education system, incentives in the form of Stipend to Girls with a cost of Rs. 1.72 billion has been implemented to promote enrolment and retention in secondary government schools. More than 4,440,000 girls enrolled in classes 6–10 were provided with stipends across 25 districts. In Punjab, free Vocational Training is being imparted to women belonging to minority communities in Punjab and these trainings are executed by the Human Rights & Minorities Affairs Department and TEVTA. 1,679 women belonging to Minority Communities have been trained so far – 40,180 females belonging to rural communities have been provided skill for market training by the Punjab Skill Development Fund; and 55,000 female students have been provided skill development courses through TEVTA along with stipend of Rs.1000 per month.

103.The Punjab Education Sector Reform Programme provides that a decrease in the number of schools at each successive level, across all districts, results in a drastic decline in the number of children (particularly girls) able to continue their education. School Education Department has devised plan to improve girls’ access to secondary education by (i) establishing a greater number of middle and high schools and/or (ii) upgrading existing primary schools to middle and high schools in areas, where these schools do not exist (iii) and providing transport facilities for girls enrolled in schools.

104.In Punjab, the negative stereotyping of women has been addressed in various secondary school level subjects approved so far by the Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Board, including topics such as women’s rights in Islam, role of women in Pakistan Movement, Constitutional provisions with reference to women’s rights and protection, and women’s empowerment. Gender equality and human rights are discussed in topics like basic features of the concept of human rights, the basic human rights enunciated in Islam, the UDHR, the rights and obligations of citizens under the Constitution. The inclusion of Punjab Women Empowerment Initiatives, Gender Equality and Women Issues in school curricula by Punjab Curriculum Authority will increase awareness about Government initiatives and facilities available for socio‑economic empowerment of women.

105.The KPK Government initiated a special voucher scheme to enrol out of school children between the ages of 5-16 residing in poor areas. They distributed 60,000 vouchers which let children in remote areas attend private schools. Among those, 30,879 (51%) are girls. The KPK Government has established 251 Industrial/Vocational Training Centres in all districts. Most of these centres are working in rural areas and after completion of courses the female students are able to earn independently. During the last two years, approximately 12,037 trainees benefitted from the scheme. KPKTEVTA is making efforts to improve training given to female trainees to empower them to find better opportunities in the job market. 25% seats have been reserved for female students in the Chief Minister KPK, Free Technical Education Program, wherein 1,000 females are under training in demand driven trades under Competency Based Training and Assessment. There are 21 Government Technical and Vocational Training Centres and two Government Polytechnic Institutes for women in KPK. The courses offered in Vocational Institutes are dress making; fashion designing; hand and machine embroidery; beautician; computer applications; handicrafts; and garments and the courses offered in Polytechnic Institutes include architecture; electronics; dressing designing and making.

106.In Sindh, the Non-formal Education (NFE) Policy 2017aims to ensure that no child is out of school by providing opportunities to complete primary and post primary education through non-formal education programs, or through regular schools via ‘catch up’ accelerated programs within the mainstream system. It also aims to develop technical and vocational skills to improve employability and opportunities for students in NFE programs. In Sindh, around 200 girls are attaining technical and vocational education in courses such as, sewing and knitting and a Gender Unit has been established in the education Department to oversee barriers faced by women and girls in continuing their education. The education policy in KPK does not restrict the age limit for enrolment and continuation of education, which means it encourages pregnant and married girls to continue their education.

107.In Sindh, the WDD is currently planning to launch a Gender Empowerment Policy, 2019 which shall address stereotypical roles and responsibilities of women and men in society through inclusive school curricula.

N.Reply to paragraph 14 of the list of issues

108.The GoP has established Social Protection/Poverty Alleviation Division to address poverty alleviation. BISP, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, Zakat, PPAF, Trust for Voluntary Organizations, the SUN Network, Centre for Social Entrepreneurship, Secretariats of the Poverty Alleviation Coordination Council and the Labour Expert Group work under this Division by developing a one-window operation for social protection of the poor and to facilitate citizens.

109.Under BISP, various initiatives are being undertaken. It is the largest single unconditional cash transfer programme in Pakistan’s history. BISP beneficiaries are families belonging to the poorest strata of society, identified through its female members and the income support is transferred in the women’s name. The number of beneficiaries of the Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT) now stands at 5.8 million and Rs.5,000 per beneficiary is disbursed per quarter. The Conditional Cash Transfer (Waseela-e-Taleem) program has encouraged BISP beneficiary families to enrol their children in schools, especially the girl child, for attaining Primary Education, in return for cash transfers with the long-term prospects of human capital formation to graduate out of abject poverty. Approximately, 3.7 million children have been enrolled and 98,531 BISP Beneficiary Committee have been formed under this program.

110.As a major social safety net program BISP maintains the National Social Economic Registry, a database containing information on the socio-economic status of over 27 million households across Pakistan. The digital mapping of the data would be an asset for launching targeted subsidies on agriculture, electricity, education, health, nutrition and disaster support to the poor people. Graduation out of poverty strategies are also in place which aim to increase household income, skills and human capital to promote long-term welfare and poverty reduction. Graduation through collaboration means partnering various civil society and private sector organizations which are engaged in development activities and poverty alleviation.

111.Pakistan Baitul Mal has undertaken various programs including Dar ul Ehsaas (Orphanages); Child Support Program; Women Empowerment Centres; EhsaasKada (for senior citizen); and providing individual financial assistance for medical treatments, artificial limbs, etc.

112.Women Empowerment Centres are providing free vocational training to widows, orphans and poor girls in modern professional skill like dress designing, embroidery, basic and advance computer courses, beautician course, tie and dye and fabric painting. Various training programmes for capacity building and skill development related to IT are also being carried out in collaboration with Microsoft Office Pakistan, for which 122 IT Labs containing 20 computers (each) in all Women Empowerment Centres have been established throughout the country.

113.The provincial Zakat and Ushr Departments is providing financial assistance to the poor segment of the society particularly widows and disabled women. The Zakat fund is released to District Zakat Committees for various stipends and allowances, including the subsistence allowance; the Educational Stipend (Women and Girls); allowance to Deeni Madaris; health allowance; and jahez (marriage assistance) (see Annex II for a detailed breakdown).

114.All the Provincial Labour Laws have been drafted in consonance with International Labour Organization conventions and also considering recommendation of ILOs convention 144 in consultation with International Labour Standard Expert of ILO. These laws are in process of adoption. As far as, the equal pay for work of equal value is concerned, this is protected under Labour laws.

115.To empower participation of rural women, the Zarai Taraqiyati (Agriculture Development) Bank launched agriculture related products and schemes for short and medium terms during the years 2012/13–2015/16. In these schemes, women were given the opportunity to avail loans to participate in the promotion and development of agricultural sector.

116.The Government of Balochistan, Labour Department, has devised a “Toolkit” for gender mainstreaming in labour inspection. In the toolkit, the components of “wages and discrimination” have been prioritized and are being inspected in top focus. In all provinces, the minimum wage is Rs.17,500, which is equally applicable to women and men for the public and private sectors. Balochistan provides economic opportunity to women in professions and skills such as embroidery, knitting, tailoring and beautician. The Government of Balochistan is providing professional training through its Training & Rehabilitation Centres established and functioning in all 34 districts of the Province.

117.In Punjab, during FY 2016–17, “Domestic Workers Training” was imparted to 1600 girls aged between 16–25 years. This has not only enhanced their capacity to work but also improved their livelihood. Training of “IT Based Profile Development Skills” along with cyber safety has been imparted to 2,500 girl students of colleges and universities who are entering the workforce in Lahore, Sheikhupura, DG Khan, Multan, Muzaffargarh, Vehari and Bahawalpur. In 2016–17, WDD Punjab established career counselling centres in Government Colleges for Women for guidance of upcoming students in line with future needs of industry. So far, in collaboration with Higher Education Department, 202 career counselling centres are working in female colleges.

118.In Sindh, a project for improvement of livelihood and wellbeing of Female Home-Based Workers in the informal sector is being carried out in collaboration with Japan International Cooperation Agency. In addition, the Women’s Economic Empowerment Council, Sindh was launched in September 2019.

119.In KPK, TEVTA is offering architecture, electronics and computer application technologies to women in addition to traditional courses.

120.To increase women’s access to employment, sixteen Working Women Hostels have been established in 12 districts of the Punjab, which are managed and supervised by WDD Punjab and 1,530 working women have benefitted so far. The KPK Government has established two hostels which are functional under the supervision of Social Welfare Department.

O.Reply to paragraph 15 of the list of issues

121.Since 2011, Federal Ombudsman Secretariat, Islamabad has received 482 complaints out of which 311 were related to harassment. 462 complaints have been disposed of by the Secretariat after completing all formalities while 20 are under process.

122.A total of 09 complaints have been filed/registered under the Balochistan Protection against Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2016. Further, the Act of Anti-Harassment has been disseminated amongst all concerned stakeholders and all the government/autonomous bodies have been directed to constitute Inquiry Committees in their respective offices and display the Code of Conduct in a conspicuous place in accordance with the Act.

123.At the KPK Provincial Ombudsperson Secretariat, in seven months’ time, 39 complaints have been filed, 18 relevant cases are in progress and the rest of the complaints have also been facilitated by linking them to the relevant institutions. Notices have been issued to the relevant institutions to establish Standing Inquiry Committees according to the law. To ensure implementation of the law, a Provincial Watch Committee against Harassment has been established. To facilitate complainants at the district level, a team of Focal Persons has been notified, and two orientation sessions were held.

124.The Punjab Office of Ombudsperson under the Punjab Protection against Harassment of Women at the Workplace Act, 2012 has received 108 complaints out of which 42 accused have been convicted, 15 have been exonerated, 27 complaints were withdrawn and 24 are under process. Similarly, the Sindh Office of Ombudsperson is also functional with complaint centres in four cities and an online complaint portal as well.

125.Please refer to our response to question 10 for details on legislation in respect of bonded labour. The National Commission for Justice and Peace provides legal counselling and financial assistance to vulnerable people. It has dealt with around 800 cases and has also launched an advocacy campaign against bonded labour in brick kiln factories. The main implementation mechanism for the laws that are in place is through Vigilance Committees Against Bonded Labour which aim to enforce the legislation, oversee rehabilitation of victims and to aid District and Provincial administration in implementing the Act properly. In 2010, Vigilance Committees against Bonded Labour were established in various districts of Sindh, which comprised of 16 members including one member form the Labour Department who would work under the administrator or an elected nazim.

126.At the Federal level, Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development has notified a “Child Labour Cell” for the purpose of coordinating efforts on elimination of child labour and for devising a consensus based national action plan with technical assistance of the ILO Country Office. Pakistan Bait ul Mal has established 159 centres for rehabilitation of child laborers where children withdrawn from workplaces are given free education and stipend. More than 15,000 students are enrolled in the centres and more than 5,000 have passed the examination out of which 4,500 have been admitted to government schools for higher education. In Punjab, a survey to unearth out of schoolchildren residing with their families on brick kilns has been conducted in all 36 districts and a committee has been constituted to get all the identified children enrolled in nearby schools. A helpline has been set up (0800-55444) for lodging complaints about child labour at brick kilns. Data on prosecutions, inspections and fines imposed in respect of employment of children and child labour at brick kilns is attached at Annex III.

P.Reply to paragraph 16 of the list of issues.

127.The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination adopted a number of measures to reduce maternal mortality. It has introduced a Maternal & Child Health Program to improve Maternal and Neonatal health service for all. It has trained 10,000 community midwives, made provision of comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (EmONC) services in 275health facilities and basic EmONC services in 550 health facilities.

128.The Prime Minister’s National Health Program provides Universal Health Coverage with focus on population below the poverty line ($2 per day). It is projected that approximately 100 million population will benefit from this program. Services have already started in 15 districts covering approximately 3.1 million families. Medicine Pricing Policy has been developed to ensure affordable prices of quality medicines. National essential drug list has been updated to include all the 13 essential Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health commodities.

129.The Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH&N) National Vision Action Plan focuses on 10 priority areas on important issues around RMNCAH&N in line with global commitments. All provinces, partners, academics and international experts have contributed and endorsed it and is used as the basis for development of provincial and regional action plans.

130.The Maternal Death Surveillance and Response is being introduced in a phased manner. Some provinces are implementing this at community level while others have engaged the facility at district level.

131.Through the National Fortification Alliance (NFA) the issue of micronutrient malnutrition is being addressed. NFA’s role is to provide a forum to plan, monitor and support the efforts for food fortification at all levels in Pakistan. There are tax exemptions from custom duty and sales tax on premix for fortification. There are a number of food fortification programs running across Pakistan.

132.The Ministry of National Health Services is initiating projects and initiatives that will target the health of adolescent girls in Pakistan.

133.The Health Department, KPK is also focusing on mother and child health. Four vertical programs including the Mother Neonatal & Child Health Program, LHWs Program, Expanded Program of Immunization and Provincial Nutrition Program have been extended in to one Integrated Health Project. In addition to this, separate Women Health Hospitals & Children hospitals have been established.

134.As per PDHS 2017–18, 86% of women who gave birth in the 5 years before the survey received antenatal care (ANC) from a skilled provider, a 13% increase from 2012–13. 51% of women had at least 4 antenatal care visits. 52% of women received counselling during ANC on early initiation of breastfeeding. 54% received information on exclusive breastfeeding. Skilled birth attendants now conduct 69% of deliveries and 66% of deliveries take place in a health facility. Moreover, 6 out of 10 mothers and new-borns received a postnatal care check within 2 days of delivery.

135.The GoP with the support of UNFPA and Islamic Development Bank has launched a Campaign to End Fistula in collaboration with the Pakistan National Forum on Women’s Health. The campaign aims to provide adequate and accessible facilities for the treatment of fistula, prevent the incidence of fistula in future, provide better access to fistula repair and treatment, ensure accessibility to treatment and rehabilitate women suffering from fistula through strengthening 7 regional centres in Pakistan.

136.The achievements of this campaign include carrying out of 4,648 surgical treatments; 1,631 rehabilitation services; 3,382 capacity building initiatives for health care providers; holding the Regional Fistula Conference; conducting 3 Regional fistula surgical camps, 3,218 awareness sessions; and inclusion of fistula case detection in LHW Program (Punjab).

137.Moreover, a number of national level CSOs complement the public sector to provide access to affordable contraceptive methods. Ministry of Health has taken steps to raise awareness about maternal health in the rural ICT through health education campaigns, home visits, health camps. The LHWs in KPK provide modern contraceptives, and literature on fistula awareness is now included in the curriculum of LHWs and training of the same is in progress.

138.LHWs services encompass the health conditions of women and children through improved sanitation, birth spacing, iron supplementation, larger vaccination coverage and through ante-natal and post-natal coverage of the pregnant women. The concerned governments of respective provinces/area are in the process of rationalization of salary packages of the staff under this program through regularization of services in compliance to the orders of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. Overarching problems of governance and monitoring still requires immediate consideration at the regional and sub regional levels. Balochistan will conduct awareness sessions to ensure protection and safety of LHW from sexual harassment. LHWs in KPK are supposed to work in their own community and neighbourhoods as each health house has its own catchment area and as a policy the drivers are supposed to be their own relatives and some reliable person known to them.

139.Furthermore, at the provincial level, the Health Departments have notified committees under the Protection against Harassment of Woman at Workplace Act. The Health Department is also notified as a member of the Provincial Harassment Watch Committee.

Q.Reply to paragraph 17 of the list of issues

140.The abortion law in Pakistan is in compliance with our international obligations, human rights standards and our legal framework. Needless to point out that there is no international consensus on the issue of abortion and has to be dealt by each country keeping in view their national, religious and other sensitivities and the best interests of the woman and child.

141.The Ministry of Health after a series of consultative and consensus building meetings and with the technical and collaborative efforts of Health Services Academy and other Government and NGOs across the country has developed and notified National Service Delivery Standards and Guidelines for high quality safe uterine evacuation/post-abortion care in 2018. These national standards and guidelines for safe abortion care are evidence-based and periodically updated. They provide the necessary guidance to achieve equitable access to good quality care.

142.The KPK Government has established Health Care Commission in order to control, monitor and regulate private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes. The number of Medical Centres (including BHUs) available to women are 1504. The Number of Medical staff available for women in pregnancy related healthcare services in 2019 are 16,977 LHWs, 6,157 Nurses, 1,975 Dais/Birth Attendants, 1,034 LHVs. In addition, Women Medical Officers & Gynaecologists are also available for basic and comprehensive EmONC services.

R.Reply to paragraph 18 of the list of issues

143.The SBP, as part of its National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS), is developing an action plan for addressing gender barriers, including eliminating any legal or procedural biases and promoting awareness, education, and marketing campaigns targeted at women. A specific target for financial inclusion of women has been established (25% of adult females by 2020) and shall be closely monitored to ensure that the current imbalance is effectively redressed over time. The NFIS calls for the development of a varied set of financial services that meet the needs of consumers, with a special focus on women. Women can also access financial services from a network of Microfinance Banks, Microfinance Institutions and Rural Support Programs in the country.

144.Another initiative of the SBP is Research on Women’s Financial Inclusion which will allow a better understanding of the barriers that women face, their needs for financial services, and how best to tailor initiatives to meet their requirements. These can help inform policy measures to address the gender gap in access to finance.

145.The Zarai Taraqiyati Bank launched agriculture related products and schemes for short and medium terms to empower rural women. NCSW, in collaboration with Potohar Organization for Development Advocacy, Pakistan organized the 8th Annual Conference on Rural Women Day in Pakistan on ‘Rural Women: Democracy, Development and Peace’.

146.In Sindh, the Sindh Home based Workers Act, 2018 and a programme called the Sindh Union Council and Community Economic Support Programme is looking at improving women’s participation in union council-based poverty reduction programme. The Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act, 2019 ensures that female workers in agriculture, livestock, fisheries or other agro-based work would be given the rights and benefits which are given to workers in the industrial sector.

147.The Government of Balochistan has taken various initiatives in line to engage rural women in the development of policies and legislation. The First Women Economic Empowerment Conference for Balochistan was held in 2017. Women from all districts of Balochistan were invited and encouraged to highlight their issues, propose solutions and identify the role of various stakeholders in facilitating to resolve these issues. The Conference is held every year to discuss recommendations on policy for businesswomen and entrepreneurs, as well as create awareness.

148.In order to recognize the work of rural women and their contribution towards the economy, WDD, Punjab has proposed a development scheme in ADP 2019–20 for financial inclusion of rural women – segregated data of rural women will be collected and compiled at tehsil level, then it will be processed for documentation and devising instruments for financial inclusion of women by opening their bank accounts. Implementing Partner Agreement has been signed between WDD and UNFPA.

149.Punjab CSW organized a Female Voter Mobilization Campaign ahead of the General Elections of 2018. The goal was to educate women about the importance of voting and the voting process. Women were informed of laws related to elections and of polling facilities. Emphasis was laid on the right to vote and men were encouraged to facilitate women in the polling process. Under this campaign, 36 Awareness Sessions were held in 21 districts with an average of 30–50 participants.

150.Article 23 of the Constitution guarantee every citizen the right to acquire, hold and dispose of property and it does not different between men and women. According to the Section 498-A of the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act of 2011 (Criminal Law Amendment), depriving women of inheriting property by deceitful or illegal means shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to a time period of ten years but not less than five years. The Enforcement of Women’s Property Rights Ordinance, 2019 has been recently promulgated, which addresses the grievances of women over inherited assets and their disputes would be resolved on expedited basis.

151.The Provincial Assembly of Punjab introduced amendments to the Punjab Partition of Immovable Property (Amendment) Act 2015 and Punjab Land Revenue (Amendment) Act 2012. These Amendments mandate Revenue Officers to initiate mutation and partition of property following a landowners death; ensure recognition of all heirs, including women; prescribe penal consequences for Land Revenue Officers who do not comply with prescribed mutation procedures; waive stamp duty for partition of jointly-owned property; and require that petitioners produce their identity card, and birth and family registration certificates to ensure that no heir is deprived of her inheritance.

152.To ensure that the rights of female heirs are safeguarded, the District Enforcement of Inheritance Rights Committee was constituted in every district in Punjab to resolve matters of women’s inheritance, review inheritance mutations and ongoing proceedings for inheritance, ascertain whether a rightful claimant has been deprived of her inheritance, and subsequently hold the perpetrator liable under the PPC or Anti-Corruption laws.

153.In Sindh, the Government has facilitated landless women farmers to acquire land tenancy rights. These landless women farmers were trained and mentored to prepare tenancy agreements and landholding maps with their male landlords. In the process, they have been provided with a viable livelihood option that could take them out of poverty and enable their upward social mobility. The Sindh cabinet also has approved the historic Sindh Women Agriculture Bill, 2019 aimed at empowering rural women – they shall receive a written contract of employment, have the right of collective bargaining, social welfare, including child health, community development, economic profit and accessing publicly supplied goods and services. The Bill shall be presented before the provincial assembly for approval. In Sindh, two phases of distribution of land among rural women have been completed.

154.The Government of Punjab has also given 50% property rights to women under the rural Jinnah Abadi and Katchi Abadi schemes. In urban Katchi Abadies, there are 208,677 dwelling units and a total of 100,464 Sand-e-Haqooq-e-Malkiat (50% property rights) have been issued to women in rural Katchi Abadies by the Board of Revenue.

155.To ensure adequate healthcare to rural women, BISP launched a Life & Health Insurance scheme (Waseel- e-Sehat) to offer outpatient and inpatient treatment of designated medical and surgical conditions. The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination launched a new National Health Insurance Program for the poor and women to access quality healthcare services (National Health Insurance Program 2015).

S.Reply to paragraph 19 of the list of issues

156.At present, Pakistan is hosting 1.4 million registered Afghan refugees and 47% of the Afghan population in Pakistan is female. There is no discrimination in Pakistan in the treatment of male and female refugees. Afghan women actively participate in the registration process and are documented through Proof of Registration cards and Afghan citizen cards.

157.The Ministry of States and Foreign Affairs, in coordination with UNHCR through their project Refugee-Affected and Hosting Areas and other initiatives taken by implementing partners/UN agencies has been committed to ensuring refugee women’s economic empowerment, social protection/intervention, including providing shelter to women at risk and unaccompanied minors.

158.Income Generating Skill Development Program has also been launched for female refugees and around 65% of the women have become self-employed and are earning to support their families. Afghan women across the country have access to health care, with networks of male and female community health workers acting as a bridge between communities and health units.

159.Women refugees in Pakistan are treated on par with other citizens in their right to education. School enrolment of Afghan children in the vicinity of refugee villages and in and around major urban clusters with high concentration of refugees is being undertaken without any discrimination based on gender.

160.At the provincial level, the KPK Commission on the Status of Women has carried out a Research Study on the Effects of Displacement of Women. Awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars have been organized with the aim to create sensitization about their rights and access to services.

161.Various national initiatives for poverty alleviation include the BISP, the AHSAS program, the PPAF, the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal, establishment of Shelter Homes, Women Crises centres, Working women hostels, and the Industrial Training Centres.

162.The Gender Policy under the PPAF ensures women’s empowerment through applying a mandate of 40% women membership in community organisations at the grassroots level. Consequently, PPAF has increased the participation and representation of women within such institutions, achieving 60% participation within a period of 6 years. PPAF has also included men in the process to increase their support for change. The pilot project which PPAF undertook to reduce violence against women in communities in Muzaffargarh, involved boys and men to build community knowledge through radio programmes.

163.Randomized Control Trials on PPAF’s program have shown positive changes in women’s voting patterns and in the ways that boys view girls and women. As a result of PPAF interventions, 638 houses have been registered in women’s names in the model villages in UC Ehsanpur District, Muzaffargarh and Goth Noor Mohammad at Karachi.

164.To alleviate gendered impacts of poverty, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has established 155 Women Empowerment Centres to provide financial assistance in the form of education stipend and medical treatment to needy widows and orphans. These centres are providing free vocational training to widows, orphans and poor girls.

165.For details on the implementation of BISP, refer to question 14 above. BISP includes an evaluation component and has been hired an independent research organization to undertake a rigorous evaluation of programme impact. The baseline study was carried out in 2011 followed by four impact evaluation rounds, conducted in 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2019. In order to assess the impact of BISP, around 9,000 households were interviewed in the baseline, followed by the interview of the same households in 2013, 2014 and 2016. The sample comprised of both the beneficiary (target) and non-beneficiary (control) groups and sample was taken from all the four provinces including Punjab, Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan.

166.Another survey for impact evaluation was conducted in 2019 where the design and sample were further enhanced to generalize results at regional level. In the 2019 report, data from other regions (GB and previous FATA region) was also collected. The report is under process.

167.Extensive guidelines are being developed to assist displaced persons from the previous FATA region and Gender and Child Cell is making an effort to influence humanitarian response to provide relief for women headed households. Computerized National Identity Cards (CNICs) have been made available for women under these guidelines. This initiative has assisted women to access relief such as food, non-food items, health care and education. In the previous FATA region, Temporarily Displaced Females are opening bank accounts for the first time to benefit from assistance packages. The KPK Government is undertaking dedicated efforts to increase their access to health care, skills training and credit so that they can earn independent livelihoods and participate in local public life.

168.Women have benefited from diversified income earning and skills enhancement schemes supported by CSOs and in coordination with PDMAs, which has allowed for cash assistance to start up their own enterprises. Access to financial capital is being improved through micro-credit, loans and cash assistance, especially for women headed households and those with a high number of dependents (children and elderly). Efforts are also being made to enhance asset ownership through transfer of land, housing or livestock to women living in communities affected by the crisis.

169.In Sindh, a dedicated department for the empowerment of persons with disabilities was formed in 2018 with a 5% quota in employment reserved for persons with disabilities and 5% quota for transgender persons.

170.Sindh has notified a “Women Economic Empowerment Council” platform for a dialogue on Women’s Economic Empowerment. The Council will aim to ensure that women have equal access to assets and services; and that infrastructure and programmes are designed to benefit the poor, both men and women, and employment opportunities are also improved by increasing recognition of women’s vast unpaid work.

171.In Sindh, the Government in collaboration with Small and Medium Enterprise Development Authority is providing vocational trainings for women in rural areas and their products are provided market access through craft exhibitions. Special trained women psychologists have also been deputed to counsel women and adolescents for post-disaster trauma. The Sindh Government Land Distribution program has focused women in flood-affected districts.

T.Reply to paragraph 20 of the list of issues

172.The Gender and Child Cell (GCC) at the NDMA is responsible to provide guidance on policy and planning and integration of gender equality, child protection and concerns of vulnerable groups in disasters; strengthen institutional mechanisms to respond to the needs of vulnerable groups; facilitate dialogue with stakeholders; institutionalize exchange of information and effective knowledge management; awareness and capacity development, ensure coordination and promotion of quality services in disaster situations at all levels.

173.The GCC has developed Minimum Standards for Protective Spaces for Children and Women to ensure protection of women, girls and boys during a humanitarian crisis. NDMA has also developed guidelines for the protection of vulnerable groups, including women, in disasters. These guidelines will allow streamlining of processes involved in supporting vulnerable groups and strengthen efforts and coordination mechanisms to reduce the vulnerable position of these groups. GCC, NDMA has also developed GBV guidelines and Guidelines on School Safety, covering safety plans, school safety management, risk reduction and resilience to strengthen the safety of educational institutions. “Cash Transfer in Disaster Management Guidelines” have also been issued to facilitate women’s access to credit in times of disasters. In addition, the Gender Humanitarian Task Force is actively functioning, and its main objective is to support and act as an advisory board to Gender and Child Cell.

174.The PDMA, KPK has also signed MoU’s with universities to introduce a course on Human Vulnerabilities in Emergencies in the curriculum of various degrees at the undergraduate and post-graduate level. The Child Centred Disaster Vulnerability Assessment has been established in KPK to analyse primary data collected upon the occurrence of each major disaster in high-risk areas of KPK to help provide better insight to identify and help vulnerable children affected by disasters. Out of the total beneficiaries of services provided and initiatives undertaken by the PDMA, KPK, over 65% were female. The PDMA also conducted various local trainings on Gender Mainstreaming in Disaster Management Cycle, Child Protection in Emergencies, and Age and Disability Inclusion in Humanitarian Response.

175.The Women & Child Protection Drought working group has been formulated in 2019. The KPK Government in collaboration with UNFPA has established two female friendly shelters in Killa Saifullah, where information on Gender Based Violence and psycho-social support is provided by two mobile outreach units and multiple sessions have been conducted in which 8250 females have been provided with dignity kits so far.

U.Reply to paragraph 21 of the list of issues

176.Pakistan in its efforts to prohibit the practice of forced marriages enacted the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act, 2011 whereby forced marriages are now criminalized. The Hindu Marriage Act, 2017 regulates marriages of Hindus in Pakistan, and accommodates all the important requirements of a Hindu marriage, including its registration, the provisions for dissolution of the marriage, and the grounds on which such marriage may be dissolved. The Act empowers women by allowing them to seek dissolution of marriage on grounds of oppression.

177.In Sindh, safeguards are provided to women through the Restriction of Dowry and Gifts Act 2018 and the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 while property, inheritance and right to divorce are also enforced. The Balochistan Provincial Cabinet has approved the proposed bill titled “Land Revenue (Amendment) Act, 1967” initiated by WDD, Balochistan for ensuring inheritance rights of women as guaranteed by the Islamic Sharia. Under the Punjab Marriage Restraint (Amendment) Act, 2015, penalties have been enhanced for contracting a marriage with a child in order to curb child marriages while protecting women from exploitation.

178.The Lahore High Court in 2017, restored Section 7 of the Christian Divorce Act 1869, hence enabling the Christian couples to approach a court of law for dissolution of marriage on ordinary grounds in a dignified manner without having to accuse each other of adultery.

179.For information on the protection of property and inheritance rights of women, refer to question 18.

180.Pakistan is in the process of harmonizing its laws so that the definition of a child shall mean any human being under the age of 18 years. In Sindh, the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2013 sets the legal age of majority at 18 for both men and women. The Punjab Government has proposed the bill for amendment of the age of child marriage from 16 to 18 years – while the age has not been increased, stricter penalties have been imposed on those found guilty of marrying children under the age of 16. The Government of Balochistan, Social Welfare Department has also prepared and presented the Bill of Early Child Marriage Prohibition, which is presently under discussion of Provincial Assembly Balochistan, according to which a person below the age of 18 shall be considered a child.

181.Under the Dissolution of Muslim Marriages Act 1939 a child having been given in marriage prior to the age of 16 may repudiate said marriage at any time before reaching 18 years of age and this would be a valid ground for a decree for dissolution of marriage. The Sindh Child Protection Authority in 2011 also supports the prevention of marriage under the age of 18 and the right for protection in case they wish to leave the marriage.

182.Various activities took place to counter child marriage in Pakistan and series of regional technical meetings and consultations were organized on child marriage by South Asia Initiative to End Violence against Children (SAIEVAC). Those regional meetings and consultations included the NCSW and other National Human Rights Institutions. In line with its mandate, NCSW organized a National Consultation on Child Marriage in Collaboration with NCHR, Child Rights Movement, SAIEVAC, National Action Coordination Group Pakistan and MoHR.

183.Section 365-B was introduced in PPC through Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Act enacted in 2011 and the act of kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel for marriage was criminalized. Additionally, to protect women and girls from religious minorities against forced marriages, section 498 (b) of the PPC was introduced to addresses and criminalize forced marriages.

184.Earlier this year, in a case involving the alleged forced conversion and marriage of two young Hindu girls in Ghotki, Sindh, the Islamabad High Court, based on the finding of the commission that was specifically made to inquire and investigate the matter, held that the girls were not forcibly converted.

185.Section 6 of the MFLO deals with polygamy, under which if the husband wishes to contract a second marriage, he is required to seek the permission from his first wife. Recent case law reveals that magistrates have sentenced men with fine up to Rs. 200,000 as well as imprisonment for contracting second marriage without obtaining written permission from the first wife under MFLO.

V.Reply to paragraph 22 of the list of issues

186.To harmonize implementation of the Convention, the Punjab GMIS gathers data for advocacy of women-centric policies/laws and programs. Gaps in implementation of CEDAW have been identified and shared with concerned departments by the Treaty Implementation Cell. The GMIS will be established soon in KPK through which data will be collected throughout KPK. In Sindh, consultative meetings are underway for finalization of modalities and a project will be launched soon to collect disaggregated data by age and sex.

187.The GMIS captures information on key indicators for women, including education, health, population, inheritance, employment, violence against women, and implementation of WEP which shall be used to prepare an annual gender parity report that reflects the status of women and the status of access to rights and services. GMIS is envisioned as a computerized database of women related statistics/information organized and programmed in such a way that it produces regular analysis and reports on the status of women for the decision makers at the provincial and district levels. Geo-spatial mapping of data will permit visual depiction of the status of women to decision makers in the province and in the districts.

W.Reply to paragraph 23 of the list of issues

188.Pakistan is favourably considering the amendment to Article 20(1) of the CEDAW. Final decision will be taken in consultation with all the relevant departments.

Annex I

Paragraph 13

Educational Institutions and Enrolment

Pre-Primary Education

1.Pre-Primary education is the basic step for Early Childhood Education (ECE). Preparatory (or Katchi) class is meant for children between 3 to 4 years of age. At the national level, an increase of 7.3 percent is observed in pre-primary enrolment which went up to 12,273.1 thousand in 2017–18 Education compared to 11,436.6 thousand in 2016–17. Enrolment is estimated to increase further by 6.4 percent i.e. from 12,273.1 thousand to 13,063.3 thousand in 2018–19. (Table 10.2).

Primary Education (Classes I–V)

2.In 2017–18, there were a total of 172.2 thousand primary functioning primary schools, with 519.0 thousand teachers, across the country. These schools had an overall enrolment of 22.9 million students an increase of 5.5 percent over the previous year. This enrolment is projected to increase to 23.9 million (i.e. by 4.4 percent) in 2018–19.

Middle Education (Classes VI–VIII)

3.There were 46.8 thousand middle schools in the country in 2017–18, with 438.6 thousand teachers, and an overall of 7.3 million showing an increase of 4.3 percent over enrolment level of 2016–17. This enrolment is estimated to increase by another 3.7 percent to 7.6 million in 2018–19.

Secondary/High School Education (Classes IX–X)

4.A total of 30.9 thousand high schools, with 556.6 thousand teachers, were functional in the country during 2017–18. High school enrolment, at 3.9 million, represents an increase of 7.4 over enrolment level of 3.6 million in 2016–17. The high school enrolment is estimated to increase by 6.6 percent (to 4.1 million in 2018–19.

Higher Secondary/Inter Colleges (Classes XI–XII)

5.A total of 5.2 thousand higher secondary schools/inter colleges, with a teacher population of 121.9 thousand, were functioning all over the country in 2017–18. The overall enrolment of 1.75 million in these schools represents a healthy increase of 9.8 percent over enrolment level of 2016–17. This enrolment is expected by another 5.0 percent (to 1.84 million) in 2018–19.

Technical & Vocational Institutes

6.A total of 3.7 thousand technical & vocational institutes with 18.2 thousand teachers were functional in 2017–18. The enrolment of 433.2 thousand represents an increase of 25.6 percent over the previous year. With this large increase in base, the enrolment is projected to decorate to 8.7 percent during 2018–19.

Degree Colleges (Classes XIII–XIV)

7.A total of 1,657 degree colleges in the country had a teacher population of 42 thousand, in 2017–18. That year, a significant decline of 47.3 percent in enrolment (to 503.8 thousand) was observed in enrolment level, which is projected to decelerate further to 4.3 percent in 2018–19.

Universities (Classes XV onwards)

8.In 2017–18, there were 186 universities, with 56.9 thousand teachers, in the country, with a total enrolment of 1.6 million. This enrolment was 7.7 percent higher than previous years. The growth in enrolment however is projected to decline by 0.2 percent in 2018–19.

Overall Assessment

9.Overall education condition is based on key performance indicators such as enrolment rates, number of institutes and teachers which experienced marginal improvement. The total enrolment in all educational institution in the country was 50.6 million compared to 48.0 million during 2016–17 an increase of 5.3 percent. The number of institutions is projected to increase by 1.6 percent in 2018–19, leading to an increase of 4.8 percent in aggregate enrolment.

10.The total number of teachers during 2017–18 was 1.8 million compared to 1.7 million during last year showing an increase of 1.6 percent. This number of teachers is estimated to increase by 2.9 percent to 1.8 million during the year 2018–19.

Annex II

Paragraph 14

1.Zakat fund is released to District Zakat Committees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the following head of accounts:

Subsistence Allowance

2.60% of total yearly Zakat budget is consists of this head. 75%of this amount is distributed amongst disabled women and widows. Approximately 32 thousand women are benefited under this head annually.

Educational Stipend (Women and Girls)

3.10% of total yearly Zakat budget consists of this head. The rate of stipends is as under:

•Up to MatricRs. 600/- pm

•Under graduationRs. 1000/- pm

•Post Graduate/BSRs. 2000/- pm

•MS/Ph.D.Rs. 3000/- pm

4.At least 25% stipend are earmarked for Mustahiq (deserving) girl students. Approximately 1100 Mustahiq girl students are benefited under this head annually.

Deeni Madaris

5.10% of total yearly Zakat budget consists of this head. 25 % this amount is distributed amongst Mustahiq girl students of Deeni Madaris. The rate of stipends is as under:

•BoarderRs. 2000/- per month

•Non-BoarderRs. 1000/- per month

6.Approximately 1200 Mustahiq girl students are benefited under this head annually.

Health

7.8% of the total yearly Zakat budget is consists of this head. This head aims to provide basis health care facility to those women who cannot afford their treatment. Approximately 21900 women are benefited under this head annually.

Jahez (Marriage Assistance)

8.12% of the total yearly Zakat budget is consists of this head. This assistance is provided to those unmarried girls who themselves or their parents/guardians cannot afford their marriage expenses. 5100 Mustahiq girls are benefited under this head annually.

9.Besides these five regular heads under the following two heads assistance is also provided to the Mustahiq girls/women for their treatment and self-employment so that they can earn money for their livelihood.

Special Health Care Program

10.Under the said program, financial assistance ranging from Rs.100,000/- to 500,000/- is given for treatment of poor, deserving patients who were suffering from chronic diseases like Cancer, Hepatitis, Cardiac diseases, Kidney diseases etc. So far, an amount of Rs.51.497 million has been spent under this program through which 269 female patients have been benefited.

Educational Stipend (Technical)

11.This department also provide Educational Stipend (Technical) in order to make the poor segment of society an earning hand. Through this comprehensive program, students are given free technical trainings in market-oriented trades through well-known technical vocational institutions of the districts. 25% quota has been reserved for women in all kind of training. 1625 girls are benefited under this head annually.

12.Keeping in view the above position, budget for the year 2019–20 is placed below along with targeted beneficiaries.

S.No	Zakat Programs.	2019 – 20	NOB 2019 – 20	Male	Female
1	Guzara Allowance 60 %	510.000	42500	10625	31875
2	Educational Stipends 10%	85.000	4293	3220	1073
3	Deeni Madaris 10%	85.000	4722	3542	1181
4	Health Care 08%	68.000	11333	2947	8500
5	Marriage Assistance 12%	102.000	5100	0	5100
6	Provincial Level Health Institutions	124.000	16533	4133	12400
7	Blood transfusion Institutes	5.000	2000	1000	1000
8	Special Fund under Head Dower (Jahez for Boys)	60.000	3000	3000	0
9	Educational Stipends (Tech)	130.000	6500	4875	1625
10	Administrative Expenditure	123.000	0	0	0
11	Special Health Care Fund	60.000	0	0	0
12	KhpalKor Foundation	7.000	0	0	0
	Total	1359.000	95982	33341	62754

Annex III

Paragraph 15

Punjab Performance Report on Implementation Of Child Labour Laws During 05 Years (2014–2019)

Progress Report Regarding Employment Of Children Act, 1991

Year	Inspections	Prosecutions Lodged	Fine Imposed. Rs
2014	212836	1679	4,72,600
2015	274915	2728	8,92,350
2016(up to September)	127227	1941	10,09,250

Inspections Under Punjab Prohibition Of Child Labour At Brick Kilns Act, 2016

Year	No of inspections	Child labour found	Brick kilns sealed	Fir lodged	Arrests	Convictions
2016	9047	790	223	758	791	272
2017	5055	312	10	210	158	66
2018	5262	166	16	153	57	Under process in law deptt.
2019 Jan– March	3206	167	–	147	105	Under process.

Inspections Under Punjab Restrictions On Employment Of Children Act, 2016

Year	No of inspections	Child labour found	Establishments sealed	Fir lodged	Arrests
2017	26602	3691	23	235	184
2018	12934	1865	16	176	30
2019 Jan–March		539	–	395	193