Child Protection Bill to be tabled in Parliament soon, SC told

Challan of Tayyaba murder case sent to IHC

Islamabad

The federal government told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that a new bill on protection of children from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect would be tabled in Parliament soon.

A three-member bench of the apex court, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, heard the suo moto case of Tayyaba, a minor maid servant, who was tortured allegedly by the family of Additional District and Sessions Judge, Islamabad Raja Khuram Ali.

Appearing on notice, Additional Attorney General Muhammad Waqar Rana submitted that he wanted to produce before the court the Child Protection Bill 2016. 

He said the federal cabinet had approved the draft of the bill and soon it would be tabled in Parliament.

The court however asked the law officer to first share the bill with the parties to the matter in hand and after getting their view point he should submit its copy to the court on the next date of hearing.

The new bill titled as “Islamabad Capital Territory Child Protection Bill 2016” after enactment would protect children from violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect.

According to the draft of the bill, a Child Protection Advisory Board comprising 12 members would be established under the Ministry of Human Rights.

The board shall advise the government on policy matters, legislation and implementation of children rights. 

The board shall ensure effective coordination and implementation of child protection and care mechanism and recognize, regulate and inspect all caregiver organizations as to whether they are functioning in accordance with the provisions this act.

According to the proposed bill, more than one Child Protection Institution shall be established which would perform the functions of assessment of children needing care and protection.

According to the Bill, the government shall establish a child protection and care fund for the purpose and the funds shall also be credited to the Child Protection and Care Fund by way of donation, contribution, assistance or otherwise from any individual, body corporate, financial institution and other organizations.

Emphasizing the protection of victim and exploited child, any report of the Child Protection Officer shall be treated confidential and shall only be made available to the child, his parents and legal guardian.

The proposed act also prohibits the publication of the victim and no report made under the provisions of act shall be disclosed in the media leading to the identification of the child, nor shall any picture of such child be published.

Advocate General Islamabad Mian Abdur Rauf informed the court that the challan of Tayyaba murder case had been submitted and the case transferred to the Islamabad High Court (IHC) where the matter was fixed for hearing on April 27. 

Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing for a week, directing the federation to submit to it a copy of the bill after sharing with the parties to the matter in hand.