LHC summons AGP again over delays in enforcing Anti-Rape Act

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has once again summoned Attorney General for Pakistan (AGP) Mansoor Usman Awan to appear on April 14 in connection with the implementation of the Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021.

The Act mandates the establishment of special courts and the use of modern investigative tools in rape cases. A special committee was also formed in 2021 to oversee its enforcement and ensure coordinationamong relevant authorities. The case was heard by a three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Aalia Neelum, along with Justices Farooq Haider and Ali Zia Bajwa. Key officials, including Additional Attorney General Mirza Nasr Ahmed, Punjab Prosecutor General Syed Farhad Ali Shah, and Advocate General Punjab Amjad Parvez, appeared before the court. Chief Justice Neelum voiced concern over the persistent failure to protect the identities of sexual assault victims, stressing the need for secure documentation—including video and audio evidence—as required under the Qanun-e-Shahadat.

The bench also heard a bail plea from Salman Tahir, accused of assaulting a 10-year-old girl. The accused challenged the credibility of the medical report presented in court, claiming it was falsified and based on the now-banned two-finger test, in violation of the Anti-Rape Act.

Justice Neelum criticised the AGP’s repeated absence and stressed the importance of timely cooperation from the federal law office. Justice Farooq Haider also condemned the lack of communication from the AGP’s office, while Justice Ali Zia Bajwa noted that a formal request for adjournment should have been submitted. The bench censured federal institutions for failing to comply with court directives and reiterated that provinces bear responsibility for implementing the Act. Chief Justice Neelum further remarked that international media pressure played a key role in bringing about the legislation. The court reissued its summons for the AGP to appear personally on April 14.