Islamabad, January 6, 2025 — In a significant step towards addressing the alarming rise in child abuse cases, the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Defense has unanimously approved a bill for the establishment of specialized child courts.

The bill, introduced by PML-N Member of National Assembly Syeda Nausheen Iftikhar, aims to amend existing criminal laws to create child-friendly judicial environments for victims of rape and sexual violence. According to the proposed framework, magistrates will record the statements of child victims in a supportive setting with the presence of a psychiatrist to ensure their emotional well-being during the legal process.

A critical feature of the bill is the introduction of a six-month deadline for the resolution of child abuse cases in these courts, a move designed to expedite justice for young victims and their families. Syeda Nausheen Iftikhar emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that the new system would ensure that child victims are treated with dignity and respect, reducing the trauma they face while seeking justice.

While Jam Aslam, a member of the Standing Committee, initially opposed the bill, it was ultimately passed with unanimous support.

The passage of this bill has been hailed as a vital development by child rights advocates and legal experts. It underscores the government’s commitment to tackling the widespread issue of child abuse in Pakistan by creating a judicial infrastructure tailored to the needs of vulnerable children.

The introduction of child courts is expected to mark a transformative shift in the country’s legal system, fostering a more protective and efficient approach to handling cases of child abuse. The government’s next steps will involve operationalizing the child courts and ensuring their effective implementation to deliver timely and sensitive justice for young victims.