Rawalpindi Darul Aman Shelter Faces Privacy Violations

An inspection conducted at Rawalpindi Darul Aman, a shelter for women in need, has uncovered shocking violations of privacy and mistreatment of residents. The District and Sessions Court ordered the investigation, which revealed the presence of hidden cameras in the bedrooms of female residents without their consent. This breach of privacy has raised serious concerns among local authorities and the judiciary.

The inquiry, led by civil judge Saba Qamar, was prompted by complaints of women facing strip searches, recording, and harassment within the shelter. The investigation exposed multiple issues, with the most alarming being the unauthorized surveillance cameras in the living quarters of the women.

Furthermore, it was found that the staff at Darul Aman had been mistreating the residents, providing them with stale and unhygienic food, leading to malnutrition. The report highlighted a range of challenges faced by the women, including invasion of privacy, harassment, discomfort due to male officials, poor food quality, presence of pests, lack of cleanliness, and unprofessional behavior by the staff.

During the inspection, 13 women were interviewed, many expressing a desire to leave due to various reasons. The investigation was initiated following complaints by a former resident named Sana, who alleged forced prostitution, unauthorized filming, staff misconduct, and substandard living conditions. The discovery of cameras in the bedrooms validated some of these claims.

While some women reported a positive experience, others raised concerns about mistreatment, hygiene issues, lack of privacy, inadequate food, and communication charges. These complaints underscore the challenges faced by the female residents of the shelter.

The findings of the investigation at Rawalpindi Darul Aman have brought to light serious violations of women's rights and well-being. It is imperative for authorities to address these issues promptly and ensure the safety and dignity of all residents in such shelters. Transparency, accountability, and proper oversight are crucial to prevent such violations in the future and provide a secure environment for vulnerable women seeking refuge.