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<p>The Government remains concerned about reports of abuses and violence directed
against women in Pakistan. Our concerns are reflected in the latest update to the
Foreign and Commonwealth Office annual human rights report available at the gov.uk
website.</p><p>We regularly raise our concerns about the protection of vulnerable
groups, including women, with the Pakistan government at a senior level. During his
visit to Pakistan in September 2018, the Home Secretary raised the importance of tackling
violence against women and girls.</p><p>Pakistan remains a priority for UK development
assistance, with programmes designed to improve human rights and opportunities for
women. The Department for International Development's "Aawaz" Voice and
Accountability programme in Pakistan works to empower female youth leaders from Punjab
(and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) to challenge discriminatory social norms in their communities.</p><p>Our
Rule of Law programme in Pakistan aims to strengthen the formal criminal justice system
through more effective investigations and prosecutions of crime. It will help to build
public confidence in the formal justice system and encourage a move away from the
use of "jirga councils". Part of the programme focuses specifically on improving
access to justice for women and girls.</p>
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