Pakistan Launches First National Sex Offenders Register to Combat Sexual Violence

Pakistan has taken a significant step towards addressing sexual violence and abuse with the introduction of its first National Sex Offenders Register. The Ministry of Law and Justice, in partnership with NADRA and the National Police Bureau, officially launched the register yesterday, aiming to create a more proactive and effective system for both institutions and the public.

Under Section 24 of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, NADRA was tasked with compiling a register of s. The rules for the register were issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice along with the Special Committee formed under the new law in September 2023.

The Special Committee will be responsible for overseeing the application of the entirety of the legal regime of sexual violence as well as the formation as well as operation of the National Sex Offenders Register.

Developed and tested by NADRA, the register will now be operated by the National Police Bureau so that the central database resides with this authority while the provincial police forces will receive instructions from the National Police Bureau.

The launch ceremony featured remarks from key figures emphasizing the initiative’s importance. Chairperson of the Anti-Rape Special Committee, Ayesha Raza Farooq, stated, “The establishment of the National Sex Offenders Register is one of the most significant initiatives under the Anti-Rape Act, 2021, aimed at tracking convicted offenders after their release.”

She emphasized the committee’s commitment to protecting survivors from re-victimization and stressed the need for continued inter-agency collaboration to enhance policies and ensure effective implementation of the Act.

This initiative empowers law enforcement agencies to monitor convicted offenders effectively, thereby reducing the risk of reoffending and demonstrating Pakistan’s commitment to public safety. Notably, data within the National Sex Offenders Register will remain confidential and will not be accessible to the public.

Omar Bashir Maniar, Community Protection Advisor for the project, outlined the comprehensive framework supporting survivors of sexual violence in Pakistan. This framework includes Anti-rape crisis cells; specialized investigation units; designated prosecutors; special courts; and the National Sex Offenders Register itself— all of which purport to be protective of survivors, prevent the recurrence of heinous crimes by the same persons, and afford justice.

The ceremony was attended by approximately 200 individuals, including government officials, civil society representatives, and international NGOs. It ended with a question and answer session and the presentation of gift vouchers to reward the key actors involved in the creation of the National Sex Offenders Register.