Islamabad, August 7, 2026: The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), in collaboration with Protection and Help of Children Against Abuse and Neglect (PAHCHAAN), on Friday held a consultation on strengthening Pakistan’s legislative framework for children and launched the fifth edition of The Rights of Children in Pakistani Law.
Held at the NCRC office in Islamabad, the consultation brought together legal experts, practitioners, researchers and child rights advocates to examine gaps in Pakistan’s legislative and policy framework affecting children. Participants discussed challenges in implementing existing child protection laws and explored measures to strengthen legal safeguards and their enforcement across the country.
Speaking at the event, NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted the importance of accessible legal resources for institutions and professionals working to protect children’s rights.
She said the newly launched publication would serve as a valuable reference for courts, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations and researchers. She stressed that the effectiveness of child-related legislation depends not only on its enactment but also on its proper implementation and its ability to address the realities faced by children.
Ayesha Raza Farooq said the NCRC’s statutory mandate includes reviewing laws, policies and practices related to children, conducting inquiries into violations of child rights, strengthening institutional capacities and advising the government on legislative and policy reforms.
Addressing the consultation, PAHCHAAN President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Naeem Zafar said organizations, families and professionals often face difficulties in identifying and applying legal protections available to children.
He emphasized that legal safeguards can only protect children when caregivers, professionals and institutions are aware of their responsibilities and have access to effective referral systems, legal assistance and timely institutional responses.
During the consultation, Dr. Mehek Naeem, Miqdad Mehdi and Ahmar Majeed presented key findings from the fifth edition of The Rights of Children in Pakistani Law. The publication consolidates relevant federal and provincial legislation and examines Pakistan’s legal framework in light of its commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Participants observed that the existence of child protection laws alone does not guarantee children’s safety and wellbeing. They stressed the need for more effective implementation of legislation across federal and provincial jurisdictions, particularly where responsibilities, enforcement mechanisms and legal provisions remain inconsistent.
The plenary session underscored the importance of stronger coordination among courts, law enforcement agencies, child protection institutions and civil society organizations. Participants also called for harmonizing the age definitions in child-related laws, timely formulation of implementing rules, increased resource allocation, capacity building for frontline professionals, stronger referral mechanisms and continued monitoring of gaps between legislation and the lived realities of children.
The event concluded with the formal launch of the fifth edition of The Rights of Children in Pakistani Law, which organizers said would serve as a key reference for legal review, professional training, institutional reforms, research and advocacy aimed at strengthening child rights protection in Pakistan.
