Darul Aman in Pakistan is a government-run women’s shelter home system designed to provide protection and rehabilitation for women facing domestic violence, abuse, and legal threats. These shelters are established under provincial Social Welfare Departments and operate in all 36 districts of Punjab and various districts of Sindh. They offer a secure refuge for women in crisis situations.
In Punjab, Darul Aman shelters accommodate 20 to 50 women per facility. Sindh also maintains shelters, with examples like the Karachi and Sukkur facilities. These shelters serve as a vital safety net for vulnerable women.
2. Eligibility and Admission Process
Women in distress can access Darul Aman in Pakistan through:
- Voluntary admission due to abuse or threats
- Referrals by courts, police, or registered NGOs
- Entry with minor children without restrictions on time
Admissions are processed immediately in emergency situations. Legal documentation is required for official referrals.
3. Services and Facilities at Darul Aman
Each shelter provides essential services to support recovery and empowerment, including:
- Secure accommodation with 24/7 surveillance
- Basic and emergency medical care
- Psychological and trauma counseling
- Legal support and court representation
- Religious and recreational activities
- Skill development and vocational training
- Shelter and education support for children
These services aim to help residents reintegrate into society with confidence and self-sufficiency.
4. Legal Framework and Governance
Darul Aman in Pakistan operates under provincial social welfare policies and legal protections. In Punjab, shelters follow regulations outlined by the Directorate General of Social Welfare & Bait-ul-Maal, including:
- Protection and service standards
- Complaint management and advisory committees
- Deployment of female staff for security and supervision
- Use of centralized digital monitoring systems
- Judicial inspections twice a year
Following a 2024 directive by the Lahore High Court, reforms mandated the removal of male staff, installation of security systems, and implementation of vocational training programs under the Punjab Protection of Women Against Violence Act 2016.
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5. Monitoring and Oversight
Darul Aman in Pakistan is subject to regular monitoring to ensure quality standards, such as:
- Monthly reporting and audits
- Health and safety evaluations
- Monitoring by the Punjab Women Protection Authority and Punjab Commission on the Status of Women
- Biannual inspections by District & Sessions Judges
6. Provincial Initiatives and Highlights
Punjab:
- Comprehensive reforms based on Lahore High Court directives
- Expansion of shelter homes and training initiatives
Sindh:
- Shelter homes in Karachi, Sukkur, and other districts
- Government initiatives in 2024 included legal aid, solar-powered facilities, and infrastructure upgrades
7. Current Challenges
Despite its importance, Darul Aman in Pakistan faces several challenges:
- Inadequate funding and staff shortages
- Limited legal, psychological, and health services
- Infrastructural deficiencies
- Lack of transitional housing for women post-shelter stay
- Restrictive environments reported in some centers
8. UN Women & NCHR 2023 Assessment
A comprehensive report by UN Women and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in 2023 revealed critical gaps:
- Limited access to legal aid and psychological counseling
- Poor vocational training and skills development
- Child care services below required standards
The report recommended extensive reforms and increased funding to enhance the performance and safety of shelter homes across Pakistan.
9. Recommendations for Improvement
To improve Darul Aman in Pakistan:
- Fully implement all Lahore High Court reforms
- Appoint trained female professionals and social workers
- Upgrade legal and health services in all shelters
- Improve physical infrastructure and child welfare programs
- Coordinate with NGOs for reintegration and transitional housing
- Ensure transparent audits and frequent inspections
Conclusion
Darul Aman in Pakistan plays a crucial role in safeguarding and rehabilitating women at risk. With the right legal support, sustained funding, staff training, and independent oversight, these shelters can transform into comprehensive recovery centers. Strengthening Darul Aman will reinforce Pakistan’s commitment to women’s rights and social welfare. Stay tuned with Bloom Pakistan
