The Punjab Women Protection Authority (PWPA), established under the Punjab Women Protection Act of 2017, is a unique institution that was formally inaugurated on 25 March 2017 by then Chief Minister of Punjab, Mian Shehbaz Sharif. Its primary aim is to protect women from domestic violence, workplace harassment and to assist them with legal matters.
It was anticipated that the authority would significantly reduce gender-based crimes. Unfortunately, after the regime change in the 2018 elections, when PTI took control of Punjab, the authority became largely symbolic. The powers promised under the act were not implemented. The PWPA lacked a proper office, and the chairperson was unable to adequately address the needs of women across the province. In short, the PTI government criminally neglected this vital body, which was designed to ensure the safety and protection of women in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on Gender Equality.
However, with the return of PML-N to power in Punjab in 2024 under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, welfare projects that had been previously halted, including the PWPA, were revived. In her first speech as CM Punjab, Maryam Nawaz declared violence against women as her “red line” and demonstrated her commitment by appointing MPA Hina Butt as the authority’s chairperson in July 2024. Within just three months, Butt proved to be a capable and effective leader, reviving the authority and implementing the act in letter and spirit.
The PWPA, in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), is currently working on a management information system to track all victims and cases in real time.
One of the most significant challenges Hina Butt faced upon taking office was the lack of a functional workspace for the PWPA. Through her efforts, a space was secured on Wahdat Road for a women’s protection centre. Recently, an MoU was signed between Hina Butt and the Local Government Department for the expansion and renovation of the centre, ensuring a permanent operational base for the authority.
Although the Punjab Women Protection Act was passed in 2017, unfortunately, there had been no dedicated facilities for women’s protection apart from one in Multan. Now, the PWPA is expanding to Faisalabad and Rawalpindi after establishing itself in Lahore, signalling the seriousness of CM Maryam Nawaz’s government in delivering on its promises.
A significant challenge the PWPA faced since its inception was the lack of legal support and coordination with law enforcement agencies like the police, FIA, and the Public Prosecution Department, etc. This gap left the officers powerless to handle cases effectively, which in turn prevented them from providing victims with the necessary support. However, under Hina Butt’s leadership, the PWPA has developed a robust mechanism of cooperation with these agencies to manage high-profile cases swiftly. Butt convened meetings with senior police officers to formulate a mutual action plan, which is now yielding positive results. PWPA officers are in direct contact with law enforcement agencies, ensuring a prompt response to cases.
A lack of coordination with the Public Prosecution Department had also hindered the authority’s work. Chairperson Hina Butt identified this issue and immediately drafted standard operating procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with the Prosecutor General Punjab. These SOPs have now streamlined prosecution, paving the way for timely justice for victims. Complainants and victims now have access to free legal aid from the PWPA, ensuring proper care and support for women. The PTI government’s failure to implement these measures in its tenure created a deadlock between PWPA and law enforcement agencies, but these obstacles have now been cleared under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz and Chairperson Butt.
In line with CM Maryam Nawaz’s instructions, Chairperson Hina Butt is also working on legislative reforms. She recently presented a resolution in the Punjab Assembly to regulate the sale and purchase of acid, which is expected to play a crucial role in curbing acid attacks. The PWPA is working on this bill, and it will soon become part of Punjab’s legal framework.
As we live in the digital age, information technology is key to the success of any project. Previously, the PWPA had failed to leverage IT effectively, but Hina Butt revolutionised this area by developing a website with real-time data and easy accessibility. The PWPA, in collaboration with the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), is currently working on a management information system to track all victims and cases in real time. Additionally, a 24-hour helpline, ‘1737,’ has been launched, which is a critical tool for connecting women in need with the authority. The integration of various helplines is also in progress. The new system has enabled rapid response and relief for victims, significantly boosting the authority’s efficacy.
Since the inception of the current government, PWPA’s visibility on social media has been growing, raising public awareness and increasing the number of cases of violence against women being reported to the PWPA. Chairperson Butt has also initiated capacity-building training for District Women Protection Officers, enhancing their capabilities and aligning them with PWPA’s mission, thus improving communication and reducing gaps in service delivery.
Through her performance, Chairperson Hina Butt has won the confidence of CM Maryam Nawaz. Rather than acting as a distant leader, she monitors daily operations, reviews complaints, visits complainants, and checks the work of the officers handling cases. She remains well-connected with all the centres’ and administrative staff. Hina Butt regularly communicates with her officers through a WhatsApp group for timely feedback.
The case of Sania Zehra, who was allegedly murdered by her husband, serves as an example of PWPA’s efficiency: the authority took up the case, and the main accused was arrested after completing all the legal formalities
The case of Sania Zehra, who was allegedly murdered by her husband, serves as an example of PWPA’s efficiency: the authority took up the case, and the main accused was arrested after completing all the legal formalities.
In addition to her work at the PWPA, Hina Butt has been a dedicated advocate for women’s empowerment. She coordinated the visit of Lady Mariéme Jamme, founder of Dare to Code, to Pakistan and inaugurated the ‘I Am The Code’ Pakistan chapter to equip girls with digital literacy. A memorandum of understanding has been signed with Queen Mary College and Punjab University to advance this agenda.
The PML-N government, under the leadership of CM Maryam Nawaz, is taking substantial steps for the development and protection of women. From virtual police stations to panic buttons and protection apps, the PWPA is playing an active role since the formation of the government, particularly after Hina Butt was appointed chairperson.
The writer is a political activist and works in youth development.