Protecting children: Govt mulls advisory board for capital

Draft bill for kids presented before apex court by additional attorney general.

ISLAMABAD: To protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury, neglect, maltreatment, exploitation and abuse, the federal government is planning to set up an advisory board in the capital.

This was disclosed in a bill for protecting and caring for the children in the capital, the draft of which was submitted to the Supreme Court.

The draft was submitted by Additional Attorney General Waqar Rana on Tuesday as a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard the suo motu case on the torture of a child maid in the capital.



According to the draft law, the government would set up the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Protection Advisory Board (ICTCPAB), consisting of 11 members and led by the Human Rights Minister. Other members of the board would be the Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) secretary, law ministry secretary, interior ministry secretary, Inspector General of Islamabad Police, representatives from national commissions on human rights and women, Islamabad’s mayor along with one member of the National Assembly amongst others.

The proposed law stipulates that the board will hold at least two meetings every year. However, the board’s chairperson can call additional meetings if required.

Regarding the functioning of the board, the bill says it shall advise the government on matters relating to policy, legislation and implementation of child rights as defined by domestic laws and international conventions.

Moreover, the board will coordinate to implement child protection and care mechanisms.

It will also maintain a management information system and sponsor research, analysis and studies on child protection and care issues in Pakistan.

The board will also regulate and inspect all child caregiver organisations through a board-appointed director general and determine whether they are functioning as per the law.

In this regard, the ICTCPAB will submit an annual report to the government at the end of each financial year. The board will also be empowered to form committees.

The bill further reveals that the government will establish one or more child protection institutions, where children in need of protection and care would be sent.



Moreover, whenever a child protection officer receives a report that a child needs protection and care, the officer will conduct an initial assessment to determine whether the case is genuine or not in accordance with the provisions outlined in the bill. These officers will be empowered to remove a child from the custody of their parents or legal guardians if deemed necessary.

However, the child protection officer would apply to the relevant court within 24 hours for a formal emergency protection order.

Moreover, till a decision is taken on the application for an emergency protection order, the court shall not return a child to their home till the child protection officer completes their initial assessment.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2017.