PESHAWAR: A two-day orientation for police officers on “Reimagining Justice for Children” concluded in Peshawar, aiming to strengthen child-friendly investigation practices and improve the handling of cases involving children.

The training was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission with technical and financial support from UNICEF Pakistan. It brought together 35 police officers, including 10 female police inspectors, from Peshawar, Charsadda, Swabi, Lower Dir, Nowshera and Mardan.

The orientation focused on improving police capacity to implement the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018, and promote child-sensitive policing. Participants received training on child-friendly investigation techniques, trauma-informed interviewing, child-sensitive communication, diversion mechanisms, restorative measures, rehabilitation, reintegration and legal safeguards for children.

Officials said the training also covered separate procedures for dealing with children as victims, witnesses or children in conflict with the law. The sessions emphasized that children must be treated differently from adults in line with national laws and international child rights standards.

Advisor to the Chief Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Empowerment Malik Liaqat Ali Khan was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony. Secretary Social Welfare Sharif Hussain, Chief Child Protection KP Ijaz Muhammad Khan and UNICEF Child Protection Officer Bushra Ajmal were also present.

Sharif Hussain appreciated the Child Protection and Welfare Commission for organizing the orientation and acknowledged UNICEF’s support in strengthening child protection systems across the province. He said police officers are often the first public officials to come into contact with children in difficult circumstances and must have the knowledge, skills and sensitivity required for child-friendly investigations.

Bushra Ajmal said the first interaction between a child and a police officer can influence the child’s recovery, confidence in the justice system and future well-being. She urged participants to adopt child-sensitive approaches and reaffirmed UNICEF’s support for the provincial government in building a child-friendly justice system.

Ijaz Muhammad Khan highlighted the commission’s work to strengthen child protection mechanisms and called for closer coordination between police officials and Child Protection Units. He said timely referrals, professional case management, psychological support and rehabilitation services are essential for vulnerable children.

Malik Liaqat Ali Khan congratulated the participants on completing the orientation and commended the commitment of police officers toward protecting children’s rights. He also appreciated the commission and UNICEF for organizing the training.

He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government remains committed to strengthening child protection systems and ensuring effective implementation of the Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018. He added that professionalism, empathy and adherence to child-friendly procedures can have a lasting positive impact on children who come into contact with the justice system.

The advisor urged the participants to apply the knowledge gained during the orientation in their respective districts and share the learning with other police officials.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates among the participants.

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