Peshawar, May 29, 2025 — The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Judicial Academy (KPJA), in collaboration with the Legal Aid Society (LAS) and UNFPA, successfully concluded a three-day Multi-Sectoral Training (MST) on the understanding and implementation of laws related to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV). Held from May 27 to 29, 2025, the training aimed to enhance inter-agency coordination and promote survivor-centered justice through the operationalization of the Anti-Rape Crisis Cell (ARCC) model in line with the Anti-Rape (Investigation & Trial) Act, 2021.
The training brought together 30 key stakeholders from across the criminal justice system, including judicial officers, prosecutors, police officials, medico-legal experts, and civil society representatives. The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and welcome remarks by Mr. Jehanzeb Shinwari, Director General, KPJA.
Day 1: Foundations of Law, Gender, and Coordination
The first day focused on building a shared understanding of SGBV and legal frameworks. Ms. Maliha Zia, Associate Director at LAS, opened with a welcome note outlining the purpose and expected outcomes of the training. Ms. Amna Baig, Senior Superintendent of Police and master trainer, along with LAS experts, led sessions on the Anti-Rape Act 2021, trauma-informed approaches, gender sensitivity, and best practices for survivor handling.
Participants engaged in interactive case studies, SOP development, and group work to align institutional responses with survivor needs and to reinforce effective collaboration between police and prosecution.
Day 2: Medico-Legal Practices and Health Sector Engagement
The second day emphasized the role of medico-legal professionals in delivering survivor-centered justice. Dr. Summaiya Syed, Chief Police Surgeon, Karachi, moderated the day’s proceedings. Sessions explored the role of Medico-Legal Officers (MLOs) in case management, examination and reporting standards, and preserving forensic evidence in accordance with the Anti-Rape Act.
Participants discussed international documentation standards, the psychological and physical impact of SGBV on survivors, and the importance of empathy and professionalism in handling cases. A practical group activity on medico-legal reporting facilitated dialogue between the health, legal, and law enforcement sectors, strengthening cross-sector coordination.
Day 3: Legal Strategy and Cross-Sector Collaboration
The final day focused on prosecution strategy, trial procedures, and integrated investigation practices. Mr. Attiq-ur-Rehman, Prosecutor and Master Trainer, led a comprehensive session on the legal provisions, recent amendments, and prosecution strategies under the Anti-Rape Act.
A panel discussion on “Cross-Sector Reflections and the Way Forward” featured Dr. Summaiya Syed, Ms. Sonia Shamrooz, Mr. Attiq-ur-Rehman, and Ms. Faryal Zia Mufti, Director Instructions, KPJA. The session enabled stakeholders from the judiciary, police, medical, and legal sectors to exchange experiences and best practices.
Participants also explored evidence handling, witness management, and minimum standards of proof in rape and SGBV cases. The day concluded with an interactive case study focused on developing effective and integrated trial procedures.
Closing Ceremony
The training culminated in a closing ceremony chaired by Mr. Zia ur Rehman, Dean Faculty, KPJA, with the presence of representatives from UNFPA Pakistan and Legal Aid Society. Certificates of participation were distributed among the trainees, acknowledging their engagement and reinforcing KPJA’s ongoing commitment to survivor-centered, collaborative justice delivery in SGBV cases.
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