By A Shahzad
ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee on Interior has approved a bill to establish child courts to protect children from sexual abuse and provide speedy justice, under which cases of child abuse will now have to be decided within six months.
The bill introduced by Member of the National Assembly Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar ensures that cases of child abuse are resolved within six months with children’s statements recorded in a child-friendly environment in the presence of psychologists.
Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas, stated this legislation marks a historic step in safeguarding children’s rights in Pakistan. He emphasized that the establishment of child courts will not only provide a safe environment for affected children but will also enable the timely resolution of abuse cases.
He expressed hope that the establishment of child courts will not only guarantee justice but also instill confidence in affected children and their families to come forward with their complaints.
