Pakistan enforces tagging system to surveil sexual offenders

In an effort to eliminate the escalating sexual harassment and rape cases, especially among those under age, National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) will implement a tagging system to surveil the convicted individuals.

To implement the system effectively, NADRA has developed software that will be integrated with prosecution offices in all districts nationwide.

Its headquarters has been established in the federal capital, while provinces will be part of this system through their respective prosecution departments.

By utilising this system, authorities will have access to comprehensive information about individuals convicted of harassment cases.

This software will connect the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Law and Justice, and district prosecutors via a special software system, which will be controlled by the national police bureau. This system will compile data of all relevant individuals.

Moreover, under this system, not only will previously convicted individuals be flagged, but whenever a court sentences someone for a sex offense, their data will be added to the system.

This will enable the government and relevant agencies to monitor the offender's activities, even after their release from prison.

According to a report, sexual abuse is the daily truth for too many women in Pakistan. A report from the Sustainable Social Development Organisation in 2023 revealed that 10,201 cases of violence against women were registered in Punjab alone; most go unreported.