Pakistan launches first national sex offenders register to combat sexual violence

Pakistan has introduced its first-ever National Sex Offenders Register, an initiative aimed at reducing sexual violence and enhancing community safety.

The application, launched on Monday by the Ministry of Law and Justice in collaboration with NADRA and the National Police Bureau (NPB), seeks to create a proactive and effective system for tracking and monitoring convicted offenders.

Register established under anti-rape law

The National Sex Offenders Register is mandated under Section 24 of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act 2021, which tasked NADRA with preparing and maintaining a record of sex offenders.

The Act was introduced in Pakistan as part of a broader push to address the increasing instances of sexual violence and to reform how cases of rape and sexual abuse are investigated, prosecuted and prevented.

It was prepared in response to the widespread public outrage over high-profile sexual assault cases, including the 2020 motorway gang rape incident in Lahore, which brought significant attention to the inadequacies within the country’s justice system regarding sexual violence.

Subsequently, in September 2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice, working with a special committee established by the Act, finalized and notified the rules governing the register.

The system, developed by NADRA, will be managed by the NPB, which will work closely with provincial law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to ensure proper tracking and control of convicted offenders.

Ensuring accountability after release

The chairperson of the Anti-Rape Special Committee, Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, highlighted the importance of the app in ensuring accountability.

"The National Sex Offenders Register will track offenders after their release, protecting both survivors and the community," she stated.

She stressed the committee’s dedication to protecting survivors from revictimization and the need for continued inter-agency collaboration for effective policy enforcement.

Under the new system, all convicted sex offenders must inform authorities of any changes to their personal information, including name, address or national and international travel plans.

The data within the register is confidential and is accessible only to authorized agencies.

Assisting LEAs for faster justice

Speaking to Nukta, Muhammad Tahir Rai, director general of the Bureau, explained the register's utility for law enforcement. "This app will significantly aid police investigations. When a related crime occurs, the police will be able to access a record of offenders previously involved in rape and child abuse cases, allowing them to identify suspects more quickly," he said.

He added that the offenders' DNA profiles will also be included in the register, enhancing investigative capabilities.

Rai cited the motorway rape case as an example, where access to the offender’s DNA record played a crucial role in solving the case. "This register will similarly help the courts, as repeated offenders will face stricter punishments based on their history of reoffending," he noted.

During the launch ceremony, he noted that provincial authorities currently do not have direct access to the app. Instead, they must contact the Bureau on a case-by-case basis to access offenders' data.

In the app's second phase, the committee is also considering implementing rehabilitation programs for repeat offenders.

Strengthening Pakistan's legal system

Advisor to the Prime Minister on Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik told Nukta that unlike developed countries such as the UK and the US, Pakistan has historically not maintained a register for cases of rape and child molestation. "In these countries, repeat offenders face stricter penalties due to their recorded history," he said.

"This new register will be a crucial step in addressing repeat offenses by tracking individuals with a history of such crimes," added Malik.

He emphasized the government’s commitment to introducing further reforms and amendments to Pakistan’s legal system for the benefit of its citizens, saying, “We are dedicated to improving the legal framework to better protect and serve the people of Pakistan.”

Support for survivors

Omar Bashir Maniar, the community protection advisor for the project, highlighted the wider framework established to support survivors and prevent repeat offenses.

This includes anti-rape crisis cells, specialized investigation units, designated prosecutors, special courts and the national register. These elements collectively aim to support survivors, safeguard communities and ensure access to justice.

Commitment to safer communities

The participants at the launching ceremony signed a pledge underscoring Pakistan’s commitment to safer communities, promising to "enforce stronger laws, enhance accountability and protect every woman and child from sexual violence."

This initiative marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to combat sexual violence, demonstrating a strengthened commitment to public safety and justice through systematic tracking of offenders and survivor support.