Collective efforts emphasised for legal reforms to address parental child abduction

Islamabad:A seminar held to discuss the Hague Convention on International Parental Child Abduction concluded with a collective call to action, urging lawmakers, judicial authorities and civil society organisations to collaborate on reforming Pakistan’s legal framework.

Organised by Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Punjab in collaboration with the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), the event brought together legal experts, child rights activists, lawmakers, representatives from civil society and judicial officials to discuss Pakistan’s obligations under the Hague Convention and the legal challenges surrounding international parental child abduction.

Chairing the seminar Sarah Ahmad, MPA and Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting children from unlawful parental abduction. She stated that every child has the right to a safe and stable environment and that the government is working towards legal reforms that prevent children from being caught in cross-border custody disputes. She further emphasised that the implementation of the Hague Convention in Pakistan should be a priority to protect children from prolonged legal battles and emotional trauma. She also highlighted the need for judicial training, better enforcement mechanisms and international cooperation to ensure the effective handling of such cases.

Addressing the seminar Syed Kausar Abbas Executive Director of the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) emphasised the urgent need for legislative reforms and stronger institutional mechanisms to tackle cases of international parental child abduction. He highlighted that such cases are not just legal disputes but deeply affect the lives of children and families. He stated that Pakistan must take immediate steps to align its legal system with international standards to ensure the swift return of abducted children. He also called for capacity-building programs for the judiciary, better coordination with international agencies and public awareness campaigns to address the gaps in the existing legal framework.

During the panel discussion on Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing the Hague Convention legal experts and policymakers from the Supreme Court of Pakistan, US State Department, National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), Federal Judicial Academy and Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) analysed the gaps in the country’s legal framework. The discussion focused on procedural challenges, legal loopholes, and the lack of a centralized authority for handling international parental abduction cases. Panellists stressed the importance of streamlining custody dispute resolutions, providing legal assistance to affected families, and strengthening international cooperation for child protection.

Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb, representing the Supreme Court of Pakistan as the chief guest underscored the significance of judicial specialisation in international parental abduction cases. He pointed out that Pakistan’s legal system must prioritize the best interests of the child in all custody disputes and that judges lawyers and law enforcement agencies should receive specialized training to handle such cases effectively.