Policy & Law - Page 3

Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)

Adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989 entry into force 2 September 1990, in accordance with article 49 Preamble The States Parties to the present Convention, Considering that, in accordance with the principles proclaimed in the Charter of the United Nations, recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and…

The Age Of Consent And The Borders Of Belief

ICT Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2025 marks a pivotal step toward a safer, progressive Pakistan KARACHI. Child rights organisations and advocates, along with concerned citizens, have warmly welcomed the passage of recent legislation on child marriages, describing it as a landmark step toward protecting the rights and well-being of children.…

IHC Judgement on Child Marriage Case

Honourable Justice BABAR SATTAR of the The Islamabad High Court Issuing a…

Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

Entry into force: 26 June 1987, in accordance with article 27 (1)…

Steps to be Taken To Devise Policy For Improving Child’s Nutrition: Minister

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for Health Dr Mukhtar Bharat on October 21 claimed that the government would take all possible steps to devise a policy to improve child nutrition and maternal health. Addressing an awareness seminar on the harms of formula milk, Dr Bharat said formula milk had negative impacts…

Call to Tntegrate Air Quality Data into Policymaking for Real Impact

LAHORE: Dr Omar Masud, the CEO of Urban Unit, says that the air quality data of monitoring sensors can make a real impact if its integrated in policymaking. He was speaking at the session “Developing a National Air Quality Management Framework for Pakistan” during The Air We Breathe conference, organized…

IHC Allows 15-Year-Old Girl to Live with Husband

The Islamabad High Court has allowed a 15-year-old girl to live with her husband, ruling that “while underage marriage is valid under Shariah, it is considered a crime under Pakistani law.” Justice Muhammad Azam Khan issued the detailed judgment in the case of Madiha Bibi, who had married of her…

Letting Federal Wealth Go

The first meeting of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) to discuss and finalise a new award was postponed last week due to flood emergency in the country, which demanded urgent government attention and resource mobilisation to mitigate potential human and material losses. Background research, however, revealed that, compared to…

Aseefa Bhutto, Sindh Health Minister, MPs Unite For Stronger Breastfeeding, Nutrition Laws

ISLAMABAD: First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Sindh Health Minister Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho, and parliamentarians from across the political spectrum on 11-August-2025 signed a landmark joint declaration on gender, breastfeeding, and nutrition in Pakistan, pledging coordinated action to protect child health, empower mothers, and remove systemic barriers to optimal breastfeeding…

Changes To Seminary Law May Open New Can Of Worms

ISLAMABAD: Although the government managed to secure parliamentary approval for an ordinance promulgated to satisfy Maulana Fazlur Rehman and a group of seminary boards, their registration may be hampered by the fact that the law only applies to the capital territory. During Wednesday’s proceedings, the National Assembly passed the Societies Registration (Amendment) Act…

Every Child Matters: C-ARTS and Transformation Of Autism Care in Sindh

When Fatima was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at just three years old, her parents were overwhelmed. Like so many families in similar situations, they faced a maze of uncertainty—confusion, societal stigma, and a painful lack of support services. They wondered if their daughter would ever speak, go to…

Female Convert To Islam Told To Move Guardians Court For Kids’ Custody

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed a female convert to Islam to approach a guardians & wards court to seek the custody of her children from her former husband, who is Hindu. The direction came on a petition of Laxmee, who changed her name to Maria after her conversion…

Birth, Death Registration Free Under New Rules: Speakers

TAXILA: To raise awareness about the newly introduced Birth and Death Registration Rules, 2025, a seminar was organised by the district administration in collaboration with the local government and Community Development department at the District Council Hall in Attock on 1st August. Officials, including the deputy director of local government, delivered…

SHC Orders Girl’s Ossification Test In Free-will Marriage Case

The Sindh High Court on 31-July-2025 directed the medical superintendent of Services Hospital to conduct an ossification test on a girl to determine her age in a free-will marriage case as the family of the girl claims she is a minor. The direction came on a petition of Shireen and…