The catalyst for this development was the case of Tayyaba, a maid in Islamabad who was hideously tortured by her employers, a wealthy couple. The Supreme Court took suo-motu notice and the bench realised that there needed to be a separate bench to hear cases brought by children as well as hearing cases where children are the accused.
‘Justice, education to establish peace, tolerance in society’
Child rights activists, most prominently Valerie Khan, worked with the judiciary and other civil society organisations to produce what must now serve as a template in the development of juvenile justice. Collaborations such as this are rare and even fewer as successful as this.
The Chief Justice of Lahore High Court (LHC), Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, looked delighted as the ribbon was cut on the new court that comes complete with pastel-painted walls, play equipment, a child-friendly environment and counselling courtesy of students of Punjab University’s psychology department. It is reported that 80 cases involving children have already been transferred to the new court.
LHC orders recovery of missing activist
Although child protection services in Pakistan generally are poor, advances are being made. In Punjab, there is a Bachelor’s degree in social work, and graduates are now working as child protection officers across the province.
They are under resourced but functional. The new court joins a growing string not yet of pearls, but the totemic seeds that will serve as examples and rally points for those that struggle for the rights of the child. Thus it is appropriate to offer Ms Khan and the CJ of the LHC a discreet pat on the back for their efforts. The most welcome of happy outcomes.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 23rd, 2017.
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