Child protection bureau takes 16 children into protective custody following Multan incident

Punjab's Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) on Wednesday took 16 minor children residing at an orphanage in Multan into protective custody and shifted them to the bureau’s Multan centre following a recent incident in the city. The orphanage’s application for registration had also been rejected.

On the directives of CPWB Chairperson Sarah Ahmed, a bureau team visited the orphanage and transferred the children to ensure their safety and proper care.

According to Sarah, the orphanage was already registered with the Punjab Charity Commission. The bureau had written to the commission to review the orphanage’s registration and take necessary action in accordance with the law.

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The bureau had also written to the relevant authorities, requesting police action against the orphanage.

Reaffirming its commitment to child protection, the bureau said it would ensure oversight by relevant institutions and compliance with standard operating procedures. It had also released a list of registered shelter homes.

Sarah said the bureau would maintain a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and abuse against women and children, adding that no compromise would be made on their protection and safety.