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ACT V OF 2017 ACT V OF 2017 BALOCHISTAN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN ACT, 2017 An Act to provide for the establishment of Balochistan Commission on the Status of Women [Gazette of Balochistan Extraordinary, 9th September, 2017] No. PAB/Legis:V(06)/2017, dated 9.9.2017.---The Balochistan Commission of the Status of Women Bill (Bill No.06 of 2017) having been passed by the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan on 30th August, 2017 and assented to by the Governor, Balochistan on 08th September, 2017 is hereby published as an Act of the Balochistan Provincial Assembly. Preamble.---WHEREAS, it is expedient to establish the Balochistan Commission on the status of Women for the promotion of social, economic, political and legal rights of women as provided in the constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and elimination of all forms of discrimination against women and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto:- It is hereby enacted as follows:- CHAPTER-III 11. Functions and Powers of the Commission.---The Commission:- a) shall examine the policy, programs and other measures taken by the Government for gender equality, women's empowerment, political participation representation, assess implementation and make suitable recommendations to the concerned authorities; b) shall review all Balochistan laws, rules and regulations affecting the status and rights of women and suggest repeal amendment or new legislation essential to eliminate discrimination, safeguard and promote the interest of women and achieve gender equality before law in accordance with the Constitution and obligations under international covenants and commitments; c) shall sponsor, steer, encourage research to generate information, analysis and studies and maintain a database relating to women and gender issues to provide knowledge and awareness for national policy and strategic action for women empowerment; d) shall develop and maintain interaction and dialogue with non-governmental organizations, experts and individuals in society and an active association with similar commissions and institutions in other provinces and countries for collaboration and action to achieve gender equality at national, regional and international level; e) shall mobilize grants from domestic and international, including multi and bilateral agencies approved by the Government, for meeting any of its obligations or performing its functions; f) shall facilitate and monitor implementing of international instruments and obligation affecting women and girls to which Pakistan is a signatory, and advise the Government before accession to any such proposed international instruments and obligations affecting women and girls to which Pakistan is a signatory, and advise the Government before accession to any such proposed international instrument, protocol or treaty; g) shall recommend to the Provincial Government the signing ratifying of international instruments (conventions, treaties and covenants) affecting rights of women and girls; h) may seek and receive information, data and documents from any Federal and Provincial source or entity in the course of performance of its functions; i) while inquiring into complaints of violations of women's rights may call for information or report from the Federal Government, Provincial Government, Civil Society organization and autonomous or concerned bodies and in this regard the Commission shall have the powers vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure, (Act V of 1908), for enforcing the attendance of any person and compelling the production of documents; j) may in accordance with relevant laws and rules and prior permission of the Government inspect any jail, sub-jail or other places of custody where women and girls are detained and to make appropriate recommendations to the authorities concerned; k) may act for advocacy, lobbying, coalition building, networking and as a catalyst for promotion of cause of women to facilitate their participation in all spheres of life including legal, economical, social and political empowerment; l) liaise with the Federal and Provincial Commissions set up under their provincial laws and other concerned provincial organizations; m) shall monitor the mechanism and institutional procedure for redressal of violation of women's rights; and n) may perform any other functions which may be assigned to it by the Government.