SHC orders continued action against child beggars

214 children rescued, 38 cases filed against those subjecting children to begging, court informed

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued a clear directive to the Child Protection Authority, urging it to persist in its efforts to combat the menace of child begging on the streets and intersections of the metropolitan city.

During a hearing presided over by Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed and Justice Mohammad Abdul Rahman, a two-judge bench of the SHC reviewed the progress made in curbing the practice of exploiting children for begging purposes.

The Child Protection Authority submitted a report, highlighting its endeavours thus far. According to the report, 214 children have been rescued and presented before courts. Moreover, 38 cases have been filed against those responsible for subjecting children to the perils of begging, with a total of 77 individuals being named as accused in these cases.

The court expressed concern over the failure leniency of the prevailing laws and provisions, which often result in the accused obtaining bail effortlessly. Recognising the urgent need to dismantle these criminal networks and protect the rights of vulnerable children, the bench unequivocally directed the Child Protection Authority to intensify its efforts and continue the fight against such heinous activities.

Meanwhile, the SHC has issued notices to concerned authorities on a petition challenging the transfer of alleged Lyari gang member Uzair Baloch from Central Jail to a "sub jail".

A two-member bench, comprising Justice Muhammad Junaid Ghaffar and Justice Arbab Ali Hakro, reviewed the petitioner's concerns during the hearing.

The petitioner's attorney, Haider Farooq Advocate, argued that Uzair Baloch has been languishing behind bars since 2016. The court was made aware of a concerning incident involving the transfer of Baloch to a sub jail in Meetha Ram via a notification issued on June 9, 2020, allegedly due to security reasons.

He claimed that it has come to light that Baloch is being denied basic facilities in his new confinement. Reports indicate that he is unjustly confined to a small, poorly ventilated room without access to even a fan. Family visits, a vital source of emotional support, are restricted to a mere once a month.

These conditions have raised serious apprehensions about Baloch's safety during his transportation to and from court proceedings. The petitioner sought the nullification of the transfer notification while imploring the court to ensure the provision of fundamental facilities for Baloch.

In response to the petitioner's plea, the court issued notices to the Sindh government, the IG jails, and the superintendent of Central Jail, seeking their respective responses by July 13.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 24^th, 2023.