Alhamra hosts drama on juvenile justice system

LAHORE : Alhamra Hall Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday hosted a theatrical performance titled ‘In Search of Justice’ orchestrated by the Juvenile Justice Advocacy Network Pakistan (JJANP).

The event was a vivid portrayal designed to raise awareness about the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, emphasising its importance for the rehabilitation and reintegration of juvenile offenders.

Advocate and JJANP convener Sarmad Ali articulated the drama's core objective to spotlight the legislative milestone represented by the Juvenile Justice Act 2018.

"This act offers a pivotal shift in how juvenile offenders are treated, steering them away from severe penalties like life imprisonment or the death penalty, and instead providing opportunities for rehabilitation," Ali asserted.

The drama featured children enacting various roles, including police officers and perpetrators, illustrating the procedural flaws within the current justice system.

Scenes depicted the arrest of young offenders and the subsequent mishandling of their cases, highlighting critical gaps in investigation practices. Notably, the performance underscored the troubling reality that juveniles are often held in police stations rather than rehabilitation centers. Sarmad Ali lamented the absence of detailed rules for the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, stressing the urgent need for their formulation and implementation to ensure the act's effectiveness. The performance served as a powerful call to action, urging stakeholders to prioritise the welfare and rights of juvenile offenders.

"In Search of Justice" was not merely a theatrical presentation but a poignant reminder of the urgent reforms needed within Pakistan's juvenile justice system. Through this evocative drama, JJANP hopes to catalyse change and foster a more just and compassionate approach towards juvenile offenders.