The Anti-Rape (Investigation and Trial) Act, 2021, was enacted in Pakistan to address gaps in how rape and sexual violence cases were investigated and prosecuted. Aimed to address low conviction rates, largely due to challenges in evidence collection, delayed trials, and social stigma that discouraged victims from coming forward. The Act was introduced following public outcry over several high-profile rape cases and aimed to restore trust in the justice system by ensuring swift and effective legal action. It mandates the creation of specialised structures to better support survivors of sexual violence and support investigation and prosecution functions around sexual violence cases. The law also bans the “two-finger test” previously used to assess victims, recognizing it as a violation of dignity and human rights.
Beyond procedural reforms, the Act focuses on survivor support and legal deterrence. It establishes Anti-Rape Crisis Cells to provide immediate medical, legal, and psychological assistance to victims, and permits in-camera trials to protect their identities and privacy. The law also broadens the legal definition of rape to include a wider range of sexual crimes and introduces harsher penalties, including increased monitoring and registration for offenders, to deter future crimes. These reforms aim to create a more survivor-centered justice system while signaling zero tolerance for sexual violence. Overall, the Act represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s legal approach to rape, prioritizing timely justice, systemic accountability, and respect for victims’ rights.