Peshawar: The Peshawar High Court has directed the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to speed up the establishment of District Protection Committees (DPCs) under The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Act.
The court order came in response to a writ petition filed by Advocate Mehwish Muhib Kakakhel, a women’s and human rights activist, who argued that the absence of DPCs has left domestic violence victims with limited avenues for justice and protection.
The hearing, conducted by Justice Ijaz Ahmed and Justice Arshad Ali, focused on the petitioner’s claim that DPCs are essential for addressing cases of domestic violence. The petitioner emphasized that without these committees, which are integral to the act, women facing domestic abuse cannot access proper legal redress or the support services they need.
According to Kakakhel, many victims struggle to file complaints, as police often refuse to register First Information Reports (FIRs) unless the abuse results in severe injuries. The lack of DPCs, she argued, is a major obstacle in providing women with crucial assistance, including mediation, medical aid, psychological counseling, legal aid, and shelter.
During the proceedings, the respondents requested a two-month period to establish the DPCs, but the court stressed the urgent need to address the situation immediately. The court directed the government to confirm with relevant departments regarding the formation of the committees and ensure their timely implementation.
Officials were instructed to submit a comprehensive report to the court on December 17, 2024, detailing progress on the committees to guarantee they are operational and effective.Advocate Kakakhel welcomed the court’s intervention, noting that DPCs will play a significant role in addressing domestic violence cases efficiently and providing a reliable support structure for victims.
She expressed optimism that the court’s oversight will drive swift action, urging the government to recognize the critical need for these committees and uphold the protections outlined in the act.
