The Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, has voiced strong condemnation following recent incidents of child abuse reported in Lahore, expressing grave concern over the increasing violence and exploitation faced by children throughout Pakistan. Dr. Khan highlighted her alarm over two specific cases: the alleged abuse of an 11-year-old girl by her school principal in Hanjarwal, and the sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy in Mangamandi by two suspects who lured him with false job promises. In both cases, the accused individuals were arrested after police investigations and complaints from the victims’ families.
Dr. Khan emphasized that such crimes deeply harm innocent lives and undermine the fundamental moral and social fabric of society. Stressing the need for urgent and collective action, she called for all provincial child protection agencies, with particular attention to the Punjab Child Protection Bureau, to act quickly in prosecuting the perpetrators and ensuring they receive strict punishment under the law. She believes that decisive law enforcement will serve as an effective deterrent against future offenses.
Addressing the broader community, Dr. Khan appealed to civil society organizations, community leaders, and the general public to actively participate in supporting child protection agencies and regulatory bodies. According to her, the eradication of child abuse requires not only stronger legal measures but also public vigilance and cooperation.
Dr. Khan reaffirmed the steadfast commitment of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights to protecting the nation’s children, stating that safeguarding their dignity, security, and welfare is a responsibility shared by all segments of society. She urged that the protection of children must remain a top national priority and called for collective resolve to eliminate such crimes.
