ISLAMABAD, August 7, 2026: The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) and child protection organisation PAHCHAAN have called for stronger implementation of child rights laws in Pakistan, stressing that legislation alone cannot safeguard children without effective enforcement, institutional coordination and public awareness.
The call came during a consultation titled “Gaps and Opportunities in Pakistan’s Legislative Landscape for Children”, held at the NCRC office in Islamabad, where legal experts, policymakers, researchers and child rights advocates reviewed weaknesses in the country’s legal framework and discussed reforms to strengthen child protection.
The event also marked the launch of the fifth edition of The Rights of Children in Pakistani Law, a reference publication that compiles federal and provincial child-related legislation and examines it in light of Pakistan’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Experts Highlight Gaps in Child Protection Laws
Opening the consultation, NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq said accessible legal resources were essential for courts, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and researchers working to protect children’s rights.
She said the effectiveness of child protection laws should be measured not only by their enactment but also by how successfully they are implemented and whether they address the realities faced by children across Pakistan.
Farooq noted that NCRC’s mandate includes reviewing child-related laws and policies, investigating rights violations, strengthening institutions and advising the government on legislative reforms.
Calls for Better Coordination and Legal Awareness
PAHCHAAN President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Naeem Zafar said organisations working with vulnerable children often face challenges in identifying legal remedies and institutional responsibilities.
He stressed that legal protections can only be effective when caregivers, professionals and public institutions understand the laws and have access to practical support, referral mechanisms and timely institutional responses.
During the consultation, Dr. Mehek Naeem, Miqdad Mehdi and Ahmar Majeed presented key findings from the latest edition of The Rights of Children in Pakistani Law, which served as the basis for discussions on legislative gaps and opportunities for reform.
Focus on Implementation Across Pakistan
Participants agreed that the existence of child protection legislation does not automatically guarantee children’s safety, highlighting inconsistencies in legal provisions, enforcement mechanisms and institutional responsibilities across federal and provincial jurisdictions.
The consultation also emphasized the need to harmonise age definitions in child-related laws, approve implementing rules more quickly, allocate adequate resources, strengthen training for frontline professionals and improve coordination between courts, law enforcement agencies, child protection institutions and civil society organisations.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the publication, which organisers said would support future legal reforms, professional training, research and advocacy aimed at strengthening child rights protection in Pakistan.
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