In true twilight fashion, the federal government has recently inaugurated the Rules of the Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2021 nearly two years following its legislative enactment. By doing so, Islamabad has indeed taken a significant stride towards protecting children’s rights. This legislation ensures that children are provided with an environment free from physical violence, promoting their emotional and psychological development.
In schools and madrassas, corporal punishment has historically been employed as a disciplinary measure, often justified as a means to maintain orderliness and control. The constant use of physical punishment, such as slapping, caning or beating, can eventually intensify to violent length, causing serious mental and physical harm to children. In many instances, it can cause irreparable damage and even prove to be fatal. Beyond educational institutions, corporal punishment may also occur within households or other settings where children are under the care of family members, guardians or employers. Instances of physical punishment as a form of discipline or control can be found in all socio-economic backgrounds and regions across Pakistan. The stringent implementation of the act underscores the importance of employing alternative disciplinary methods that are non-violent, constructive and effective in nurturing a child’s development. Educational institutions and caregivers should be encouraged to adopt positive discipline techniques which in turn foster communication, understanding and empathy.
While the enforcement of this act in Islamabad is a noteworthy milestone, it is imperative to extend its implementation across the entire country. Concerted efforts should be made to raise awareness among educators, parents and caregivers throughout Pakistan, promoting the adoption of alternative disciplinary methods that align with international law and the principles of child rights and welfare. Eventually, it is the shared responsibility of society to safeguard children from harm and provide them with a nurturing, secure and enabling environment.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 29th, 2023.
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