IHC CJ expresses concern over increasing child abuse cases

ISLAMABAD: Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court (IHC), Athar Minallah on Wednesday said cases of molestation of teenagers are rapidly increasing in the society whereas the police were conducting poor investigation in such cases.

The Islamabad High Court on Wednesday dismissed the post arrest bail plea of an accused Zeeshan allegedly involved in molestation of a teenage boy in Barakahu Madrassa.

Justice Athar Minallah took up the hearing. Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), Islamabad, Waqaruddin Syed, also appeared before the court as he was summoned to appear in person earlier.

During the hearing, Justice Athar Minallah remarked that it is very alarming and unfortunate that teenagers’ molestation cases are increasing in the society whereas police are not playing its role and conducting poor investigation in such cases.

He further remarked that if a society failed to protect its children, then what would be its future.

While updating the court regarding the inquiry of the case, the DIG Islamabad said that police have arrested a cleric of Madrassa and added sections 328 and 328A in the first information report (FIR). “The investigation of the case had been shifted to SP investigation,” he added.

Justice Athar Minallah remarked that the child was the responsibility of Madrassa administrator as he was given under their protection. The parents of victim child complained to Qari, but he didn’t take any action. “Police use to get active when such cases appear in media,” he added. The IHC CJ remarked that child abuse cases are increasing which is very alarming. Later, the court dismissed the post-arrest bail plea of accused Zeshan.