CHITRAL: The district administration of Lower Chitral has established a “mental health and gender-based violence (GBV) desk” to help prevent abuse and ensure timely reporting of cases.
Officials said the desk was established in collaboration with the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme (AKRSP), and the initiative is part of a project aimed at promoting women’s social and economic empowerment and is being implemented under the supervision of the social welfare department.
The desk was formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Rao Hashim Azam at the Chitral Press Club, where he planted a tree and cut the ribbon. A ceremony was also held on the occasion, attended by representatives from various segments of society.
Speaking at the event, District Social Welfare Officer Khizar Hayat, Qazi Irfan Ahmed, Police Service Centre Incharge Amanullah, and other speakers highlighted that most cases of gender-based violence in Chitral go unreported. They noted that even when cases are reported, victims often face intense social and family pressure, with some families choosing silence over support, further worsening the mental distress of affected women.
The speakers emphasized that the primary objective of the GBV desk is to provide women with a safe and trusted platform where they can share their concerns without fear.
