10-14 February 2025, Karachi- With the financial support of the European Union (EU), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), in partnership with the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), organized two three-day workshops in Karachi and to develop a Comprehensive Assistance Plan for Victims of Terrorism (CAPVoT) in Sindh and Balochistan. The first workshop on 10-12 February gathered 28 participants, including eight women, from Sindh, while the second workshop on 12-14 February engaged 20 participants, including four women, from Balochistan. Policymakers, officials from the Home Department, Social Welfare Department, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Prosecution Department, Health Department, civil society organizations, and international consultants convened workshops to enhance rights-based support mechanisms for victims.
Each three-day workshop followed a structured agenda. The first day focused on opening remarks from representatives of NACTA and UNODC, emphasizing the significance of victim-centric approaches. International Consultant Ms Joanne Dover shared global best practices on victims’ rights, rehabilitation, health, psychosocial support, and trauma counselling. The Social Welfare Departments from both provinces elaborated on their roles in victim rehabilitation, while representatives from the Health Departments discussed strategies for trauma counselling and mental health support. The sessions concluded with group discussions, led by National Consultant Dr. Khuram Iqbal, to identify challenges and collaborative solutions.
On the second day, discussions revolved around financial compensation mechanisms and legal frameworks for victims. The Home Departments of Sindh and Balochistan provided insights into their respective compensation systems and the Sindh and Balochistan Civilian Victims of Terrorism (Relief and Rehabilitation) Acts. The Prosecution Departments highlighted victims’ rights to justice, privacy, and psychological integrity. Participants engaged in interactive dialogues, aligning local practices with international standards to ensure a comprehensive support system.
The final day of each workshop focused on revising strategies and defining actionable outcomes. Sessions on data collection and management were led by the Counter Terrorism Departments of Sindh and Balochistan. Participants collaboratively outlined responsibilities for CAPVoT implementation and drafted concrete action plans. Each workshop concluded with a closing ceremony, where stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening victim support systems, and participants were awarded certificates.
This activity marks a significant milestone of the project- CPTP, Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan. Funded by the European Union (EU), led by NACTA and executed by UNODC with its partner civil society organization, the project aims at empowering community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence via a three-pronged strategy. The key components include a. strengthening the capacity of criminal justice institutions; b. strengthen victim support through an effective legal system; c. foster community engagement via developing sustainable networks.
