crimes too,” she said.
“The implementation of the law is not up to mark but that doesn’t mean that the government is not pressing for its implementation.”
Farooqui regretted that there were two female judges for every 35 male ones. She observed that after the passage of the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Sindh could prepare its own legislation, but it was not easy to implement it.
Referring to the poverty in Sindh, she observed that there were millions of out-of-school children and the dropout rate, particularly of girls, was very high.
She said when a law was passed that a girl could be married off only when she was 18, parents in rural areas started complaining about it.
“The rule of law should not be such that you transform the country into a Gestapo state. We have to work a lot for creating awareness and in this regard the federal government should come forward as progress across the world is made at the state level.”
Farooqui said much needed to be done to protect children from conflict.
Sindh Human Rights Commission chairperson Justice (retd) Majida Rizvi said her organisation lacked resources and staff, but despite that it had started training programmes and was arranging seminars.
“Children are the future of the nation and as such, they are our assets,” she added.
Former IGP Niaz A. Siddiqi said training programmes were being held for police officers to deal with child abuse cases. He added that 1,200 officers had been trained so far.
Zahida Hashmi, the director of the SOS Village, said previously a child was looked after by the entire neighbourhood, but now even parents did not fulfill their responsibilities.
Another speaker, Fouzia Tariq, said there was no legislation against child abuse similar to the domestic violence law. “Police are reluctant to lodge an FIR in child abuse cases and TV channels play a negative role while covering such incidents,” she added.
The Kingdom of RetributionThe Canvas Gallery is hosting an art exhibition featuring works by Adeela Suleman.Titled...
A customer buys rice at a wholesale shop in Karachi. — AFP/FileThe Karachi administration's ongoing crackdown...
Sindh Chief Minister, Syed Murad Ali Shah presides over a meeting to review arrangements for the 46th death...
A view of traffic on roads during peak hours in Karachi on August 29, 2024. — APPTraffic police on Thursday issued a...
Policeman stands guard on a street in Karachi. — AFP/FileDistrict East recorded the lowest crime ratio during...
Police personnel detain activists from the Baloch Yakjehti Committee and civil society during a protest demanding the...