Fajar Rehman
A bill aimed at establishing specialized courts to handle child abuse cases in Pakistan has gained early traction, receiving little opposition and generating optimism that it will soon secure the full support of the National Assembly and Senate. The bill, introduced by PML-N’s Nosheen Iftikhar—one of the few women elected directly to the National Assembly—proposes significant reforms to current child abuse laws, particularly in cases of rape and other forms of abuse. Among the most notable proposals are the creation of specialized courts, the acceleration of trial timelines for such cases, and provisions to ensure that victims’ statements are recorded in child-friendly environments with the presence of a psychiatrist.
If enacted, the bill would align Pakistan with international standards for investigating and prosecuting crimes against children. While these changes would represent significant progress, further efforts are needed to ensure that the implementation of the law truly protects vulnerable children. One of the challenges will be to educate police officers and judicial staff on how to handle these sensitive cases in a way that minimizes trauma for victims—many of whom are still in primary school. Nevertheless, if the bill is passed and fully implemented, it could mark a turning point in the prosecution of child abuse in Pakistan.
The broad support for this bill so far is a promising sign that political leaders can still unite for the protection of children, setting aside their usual differences. This bipartisan backing demonstrates a collective recognition of the urgency and importance of safeguarding the rights of the country’s most vulnerable population.
Legal experts have also weighed in, underscoring the importance of specialized courts in handling child abuse cases. Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah recently advocated for the creation of child courts, noting that crimes such as child labor and trafficking—often linked to physical and sexual abuse—should be handled in a dedicated judicial system. His support highlights the need for comprehensive, child-specific legal structures to address the full spectrum of child exploitation, and his endorsement adds weight to the call for specialized courts.
The bill’s proposals to expedite the legal process and ensure a child-sensitive approach to testimonies are particularly important. Cases of child abuse are often protracted, leaving victims in a state of limbo while their abusers remain free. The expedited trials would address this issue by speeding up the process and reducing the emotional strain on the child victims, allowing for quicker justice. Additionally, recording statements in a safe and supportive environment—along with the presence of mental health professionals—would help mitigate the trauma associated with recounting such painful experiences.
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However, while the bill’s intent is clear, the real challenge lies in the execution. The establishment of specialized courts will require significant investment in training judges, lawyers, police officers, and other personnel involved in the justice system. Sensitizing law enforcement and legal staff to the unique needs of child victims is essential for ensuring that these cases are handled with the care and respect they deserve. Creating a legal system that not only punishes perpetrators but also provides support and healing for the victims is crucial.
Furthermore, it is important that these specialized courts are not just symbolic but effective in delivering justice. The government must ensure that these courts are adequately funded, staffed, and equipped to handle the complexities of child abuse cases. The expansion of these courts to cover a wide range of crimes, including child trafficking and labor, would further strengthen the legal framework for child protection.
In conclusion, while the bill to establish specialized child abuse courts is a step in the right direction, it is only part of the solution. A sustained effort to educate and train judicial and law enforcement professionals, along with adequate resources and continued political will, will be necessary to ensure that these reforms have a meaningful impact on the lives of children. With the support of the government and society, Pakistan has the opportunity to take a significant step toward creating a legal system that truly protects its youngest and most vulnerable citizens.