Institutional Strengthening of NCSW Support to Implementation of GRAPs Study to Assess Implementation Status of Women Protection Act 2006 National Commission on the Status of Women Islamabad

Abstract

The National Commission on the Status of Women is a statutory body promulgated through NCSW Ordinance 2000 mandated to serve as a watchdog and oversight body with national authority to review policies, unjust practices and laws affecting women of Pakistan vis a vis international commitments to gender equality and equity and formulate policy recommendations as well as to advocate for changes in laws and policies that are not pro-women. It is authorized to make recommendations to amend, abolish or repeal such laws, policies and customary practices which undermine and deny the fundamental rights and dignified status to women and minorities in Pakistan. The Women Protection Act, 2006 addresses the most controversial aspects of the Hudood Ordinances, a group of laws that date back to 1979 and Zia-ul Huq’s rule – those pertaining to adultery and rape, which the new bill categorises as two separate offences. While adultery remains within the purview of Islamic law, the WPA abolishes the death penalt y and flogging for those accused of this crime and also reverses its non-bailable status. Moreover, it also removes the right of police to detain people suspected of having sex outside of marriage, instead requiring a formal accusation in court. This Act was passed in 2006 by the National