Chitral, April 19, 2026: A dedicated Women’s Desk has been set up in Chitral to help prevent and report cases of gender-based violence (GBV), officials said.
The initiative has been launched under the Social Welfare, Women Development and Special Education Department to provide a safe platform for women to report abuse and seek assistance.
Speaking at the inauguration, Deputy Commissioner Rao Hashim Azam and District Welfare Officer Khizar Hayat said that many GBV cases go unreported due to social stigma and family pressure.
They noted that survivors often face silence from their own families, which can lead to severe mental stress and, in some cases, tragic outcomes.
Officials said the Women’s Desk aims to ensure confidentiality while providing support, counseling, and guidance to victims. Serious cases will be referred to higher authorities in accordance with the law.
Other speakers also stressed the importance of awareness, mediation, and counseling, alongside promoting tolerance and respectful behavior within families to prevent violence.
Authorities have urged affected individuals to use dedicated helplines to seek help, assuring full cooperation and protection.