What is the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011?

Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act, 2011 (Criminal Law (Third Amendment) Act, 2011)

The Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Act (PAWPA) is a law in Pakistan that prohibits certain practices that are considered to be harmful to women, such as forced marriages, vani (marriage of a woman to resolve a dispute), honor killings, and karo-kari (murder of a woman by her own family members for alleged illicit relations). The PAWPA was passed in 2010 and came into force in 2011.

What are the practices prohibited by the PAWPA?

The PAWPA prohibits the following practices:
Forced marriage: This is a marriage in which the consent of one or both parties is not obtained.
Vani: This is a practice in which a woman is married off to resolve a dispute between two families.
Honor killings: These are murders committed in the name of honor, usually against women who are accused of bringing shame to their family.
Karo-kari: This is a practice in which a woman is murdered by her own family members for alleged illicit relations.
Early marriage: This is a marriage in which the bride is below the age of 18.
Dowry: This is the money or property that is given to the groom's family by the bride's family at the time of marriage.
Polygamy: This is the practice of a man having more than one wife.

What are the penalties for violating the PAWPA?

The penalties for violating the PAWPA vary depending on the practice involved. For example, forced marriage is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to PKR 1 million. Honor killings are punishable by death or life imprisonment.

How can I report a violation of the PAWPA?

You can report a violation of the PAWPA to the police, a women's rights organization, or a human rights organization. You can also file a complaint with the National Commission on Human Rights.

What are the FAQs about the PAWPA?

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the PAWPA:

What are the challenges in implementing the PAWPA?

One of the biggest challenges in implementing the PAWPA is the lack of awareness about the law. Many people in Pakistan are not aware of the practices that are prohibited by the law, and they may not know how to report a violation. Another challenge is the lack of resources for enforcing the law. The police and other law enforcement agencies often do not have the resources to investigate and prosecute cases of anti-women practices.

What are the successes of the PAWPA?

The PAWPA has had some successes in reducing the incidence of anti-women practices. For example, the number of honor killings has decreased since the law was passed. However, there is still a lot of work to be done to fully implement the law and to ensure that women are protected from harm.

What are the recommendations for improving the PAWPA?

There are a number of recommendations for improving the PAWPA. These include:
* Increasing awareness about the law among the public.
* Providing more resources for enforcing the law.
* Making the penalties for violating the law more severe.

* Addressing the root causes of anti-women practices, such as poverty and illiteracy.

The PAWPA is an important law that has the potential to protect women from harm. However, it is important to address the challenges in implementing the law and to make sure that it is fully enforced. By working together, we can create a society where women are safe and respected.