Child Protection and Social Protection

Child Protection Institute (CPI)

The Child Protection Institute (CPI), established under the ICT Child Protection Act of 2018, offers a range of essential protection services to vulnerable children. CPI provides temporary shelter to homeless, street, and runaway children, offering them a safe refuge. Additionally, the institute offers rehabilitation, reunification, reintegration, and referral services for children at risk. Through psychological counseling and referral services, CPI addresses the needs of abused and exploited children, helping them heal and seek support. CPI also conducts awareness campaigns on children’s rights and issues related to child protection and labour, fostering community understanding and engagement. Moreover, the institute facilitates children in need of social, legal, medical support, and connects them with educational opportunities, empowering them for a better future.

Helpline: 1121

Website: https://cpimohr.pk/

Zainab Alert, Response, and Recovery Agency (ZARRA)

The Zainab Alert, Response, and Recovery Agency (ZARRA) is a specialised organisation with a primary focus on addressing cases of missing and abducted children.  ZARRA operates an alert system to quickly disseminate information about missing children to relevant authorities, law enforcement agencies, media outlets, and the public. This rapid dissemination helps mobilize efforts to locate and recover missing children promptly.  The Zainab Alert App is a mobile application that can be used to report missing and abducted children. The app allows users to upload a photo of the child, provide information about the child’s disappearance, and share the alert with others. The app also allows users to track the progress of the investigation and receive updates on the child’s status. The ZAINAB ALERT App is available on androide/ios/web

Labour Welfare Department

The Labour Welfare Department operating under the Islamabad Capital Territory Administration is tasked with overseeing the implementation of various labor laws within the territory. These laws include the Factories Act of 1934, the Payment of Wages Act of 1936, the West Pakistan Shops & Establishment Ordinance of 1969, the West Pakistan Industrial & Commercial Employment (Standing Orders) Ordinance of 1968, the Minimum Wages Ordinance of 1961, the Industrial Relations Act of 2012, and the Workmen Compensation Act of 1923. The department’s responsibilities encompass several key areas, including the inspection of factories, shops, and commercial establishments to ensure compliance with labor laws, as well as the registration of factories, shops, and commercial establishments. Additionally, the department is responsible for referring wage-related disputes to the appropriate authority under the Payment of Wages Act of 1936 and adjudicating compensation cases under the Workmen Compensation Act of 1923. Moreover, one of the department’s primary objectives is to eradicate child and bonded labour from Islamabad, reflecting its commitment to promoting fair and just labour practices within the capital territory.

Islamabad Capital Territory Police (ICT Police)

The role of Islamabad Police is to prevent, detect and investigate crimes, maintain law and order effectively and to provide safe, secure and public friendly environment to the citizens of Islamabad including children.  Police and children in Pakistan are connected in a number of ways, primarily through the role of the police in ensuring the safety and well-being of children. One of the key roles of the police in Pakistan is to protect children from violence, abuse, and exploitation. This includes investigating and prosecuting cases of all types of child abuse, internal trafficking, and exploitation, as well as providing support and assistance to child victims and their families. The police also play an important role in ensuring the safety of children in public spaces, such as parks, schools, and playgrounds. They may conduct regular patrols, and respond to reports of suspicious activity or potential threats to children.

Additionally, the police play an important role in dealing with juvenile offenders or children who have been accused of committing crimes. When a juvenile offender is arrested, the police are usually the first point of contact. The police are responsible for investigating the alleged offense and gathering evidence to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge the juvenile offender with a crime. Once a juvenile offender has been charged, the police may also be involved in the court proceedings. They may be required to testify in court about the investigation and the evidence they gathered.

Helpline: 15

Website: https://islamabadpolice.gov.pk/

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is responsible for investigating various crimes, including cybercrimes, human trafficking and smuggling, immigration offenses, financial frauds, etc. Its role concerning children primarily revolves around protecting them from exploitation, abuse, and trafficking. The FIA investigates cases of smuggling and human trafficking across borders, including trafficking of children for labour and sexual exploitation. With the rise of digital technology, children are increasingly vulnerable to cybercrimes such as online harassment, grooming, and child sexual abuse material. The FIA’s Cyber Crime Wing handles cases related to online crimes against children, including the dissemination and possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The FIA also cooperates with international law enforcement agencies and organisations to combat transnational crimes affecting children, such as trafficking and online exploitation. This collaboration allows for information sharing, joint investigations, and the apprehension of perpetrators involved in crimes against children across borders.

Helpline: 1099 (cyber crimes) and 051-111-345-786

Website: https://fia.gov.pk/

Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing and regulating the telecommunications sector in Pakistan. Regarding children, the PTA plays a crucial role in safeguarding their online safety and well-being by regulating digital content, promoting online safety practices, raising awareness, and collaborating with stakeholders to address emerging challenges and threats in the digital environment. This includes regulating and monitoring digital content accessible to children, implementing measures to protect them from online threats such as cyberbullying and exploitation, promoting digital literacy initiatives, combating cyber crimes targeting children, and encouraging the use of parental control tools and technologies to help parents manage and monitor their children’s online activities. 

Additionally, PTA has already declared ‘1121’ as free emergency helpline for child protection managed by child protection agencies across Pakistan.

Website: https://pta.gov.pk/

Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA)

LAJA was established under the LAJA Act 2020 to provide legal, financial, and technical assistance for access to justice for poor and vulnerable groups in society on criminal cases. The key functions of LAJA are to provide legal aid/assistance to poor and vulnerable groups, particularly women and children; enhance public awareness of legal aid and laws in Pakistan; research legal aid and pro bono legal services in Pakistan; and advise the government on the right to a fair trial and due process of the law.

Islamabad Capital Territory Administration (ICTA)

Website: https://ictadministration.gov.pk/birth-certificate/

National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA)

NADRA, the National Database and Registration Authority, plays an important role in maintaining Pakistan’s national database and issuing essential identification documents. NADRA issues Child Registration Certificates (CRCs) and Juvenile Cards for individuals under 18 years old. These documents serve as official proof of identity for children and juveniles, facilitating their access to various services and safeguarding their rights.

Website https://www.nadra.gov.pk/

Helpline: 1777 for mobile phone users, 051-111786100 for landline users and international callers

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is a government organization in Pakistan responsible for coordinating and managing disaster response efforts at the national level. The NDMA was established in 2005, following the devastating earthquake that occurred in the country that year.

The NDMA is responsible for developing and implementing policies and strategies related to disaster management, as well as for providing guidance and support to other government agencies and organizations involved in disaster response efforts. Additionally, NDMA is responsible for the provision of early warning and disaster preparedness, and also for the management of search and rescue operations, evacuation, and relief and rehabilitation activities.  The organization is also composed of a number of different departments and divisions, each with specific responsibilities related to disaster management.

NDMA works closely with other government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and the private sector to ensure that the country is prepared to respond to natural and man-made disasters, and to minimize the impact of these events on communities and individuals.

Ministry of Human Rights

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal

Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) is tasked with providing financial assistance, social welfare services, and support programs to disadvantaged individuals and communities across Pakistan. Its mandate encompasses a wide range of social welfare initiatives aimed at alleviating poverty, addressing socio-economic disparities, and promoting inclusive development. Regarding children, PBM offers various services and programs to support their well-being and development, including financial aid for education, healthcare services, nutrition support, shelter and care for orphaned and abandoned children through its orphanages, vocational training and skill development opportunities to enhance their future prospects, and rehabilitation services for children with disabilities, and support for their integration and participation in society. Some of the major projects are: Shelter Home, Sweet Home, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal School, education stipend, etc.

Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety (MOPASS)

The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety in Pakistan primary focus is towards establishing a comprehensive system of social protection to uplift vulnerable groups out of poverty. The ministry focuses on providing basic necessities such as food and shelter, securing livelihoods, investing in human capital, and monitoring the effective implementation of policies and strategies at both federal and provincial levels. Through its oversight of organizations like the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal (PBM), Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF), and Trust for Voluntary Organizations (TVO), the ministry aims to provide a safety net for millions of families, create livelihood opportunities, facilitate financial access to healthcare, offer scholarships and education incentives for students, and foster an enabling environment for poverty reduction.

Education

Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination

The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination (MOH) is responsible for developing and implementing policies and regulations related to the health sector in the country. The Ministry’s mandate includes the following:

• Developing and implementing policies and regulations related to health care and public health
• Coordinating with other government agencies, such as the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), to improve the quality of healthcare services
• Managing and supervising the health care system at federal level
• Providing financial assistance to the provinces for health sector
• Overseeing the registration and management of the country’s healthcare institutions
• Developing and promoting preventive health care services
• Providing guidance, counseling and other support services to patients, families and health care providers
• Regulating medical education and practice
• Coordinating with other countries and international organizations to improve the health sector of Pakistan.

The Ministry is also composed of several departments and divisions, such as the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) and the Pakistan Medical Research Council (PMRC) which are responsible for specific areas of work within the Ministry’s mandate.

Research and Data

Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) is the primary statistical agency responsible for collecting, organizing, analyzing, and disseminating statistical information in Pakistan. It operates under the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives. The PBS conducts a wide range of surveys to gather data on various socio-economic aspects of the country, including those related to children. These surveys include:

• Pakistan Demographic and Health Surveys (PDHS): Collects data on maternal and child health, family planning, nutrition, and healthcare access.
• Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement Surveys (PSLM): Gathers information on household living standards, poverty, education, health, and socio-economic indicators, including children’s education and access to basic services.
• Labour Force Surveys (LFS): Includes questions on child labor to assess its prevalence, characteristics, and impact on children’s well-being.
• Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys (MICS): Provides comprehensive data on various indicators related to children and women, such as health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and child protection.
• Pakistan Integrated Household Surveys (PIHS): Collects data on household income, consumption, expenditure, assets, and socio-economic characteristics, including children’s living conditions and poverty status.

Oversight and Monitoring Agencies

National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC)

About: The National Commission on the Rights of Child has a broad and overarching mandate for the promotion, protection and fulfilment of child rights in Pakistan.  The primary functions and powers of the NCRC include, among others, to conduct inquiries into allegations of child rights abuse(s); review existing and proposed legislation from child rights perspective; carry out research and advise on policy matters pertaining to the situation of child rights in Pakistan; contribute awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives and suggest measures to follow up on the implementation of concluding observation of the Committee. The Commission became operational in February 2020, with the appointment of the Chairperson and its Members.

Jurisdiction: National

National Commission for Human Rights

Similar to the NCRC, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) is a federal statutory body set up in 2015. It is an independent National Human Rights Institute (NHRI) developed under the Paris Principles. As an impartial state body, the NCHR works independently of the Government and is directly accountable to the Parliament of Pakistan. The primary functions and powers of the NCHR include, among others, to conduct investigations into allegations of human rights abuse(s), either on petitions filed by individuals or institutions, or through suo-moto action; review existing and proposed legislation in relation to human rights principles; carry out research and advise on policy matters pertaining to the situation of human rights in Pakistan; contribute to national human rights awareness-raising and advocacy initiatives in the country; review and report on the Government’s implementation and monitoring of the state of human rights; make technical recommendations and follow up on the implementation of treaty obligations and develop a national plan of action for the promotion, protection and fulfillment of human rights in Pakistan.

Jurisdiction: National

National Commission for the Status of Women

National Commission on the Status of Women (NCSW) came into existence through a presidential ordinance and was established under NCSW Act, 2012.  The basic role of NCSW is to examine and review laws, policies, programmes and monitor the implementation of laws for the protection and empowerment of women, and to facilitate the government in the implementation of international instruments and obligations. The core work of NCSW is central to the principles of gender equality and empowerment as enshrined in the Constitution.  The NCSW Act 2012 gives the Commission the powers to seek and receive information, data or documents from any official source and powers of a civil court to enforce the attendance of any person and production of documents.

Jurisdiction: National

Wafaqi Mohtasib

The Wafaqi Mohtasib (Federal Ombudsman) of Pakistan is an independent institution established to investigate and resolve complaints of citizens including children of maladministration against administrative agencies of the government. The Wafaqi Mohtasib is appointed by the President of Pakistan and serves as a mediator between citizens and government agencies, working to ensure that government services are provided in a fair and efficient manner. The office of the Wafaqi Mohtasib also has the power to make recommendations for improvements to government policies and procedures.

Jurisdiction: National but limited to Departments appointed by the Federal Government in Provinces/ Other regions

Committees/Networks

National Committee for Children

The Wafaqi Mohtasib (Ombudsman Office) has re-constituted a National Committee for Children  in January 2022. The Terms of Reference for the Committee includes:

• monitor the status of rights of children in Pakistan especially children at risk; and redressing grievences of children through Advisor/ Grievance Commissioner for Children, appointed by Honorable Wafaqi Mohtasib,
• addressing systematic issues relating to child rights through: (a) broad-based consultative meetings with key stakeholders; (b) formation of thematic Task Force or Sub-Committees; (c) Initiating/ sponsoring research studies relating to child rights; (d) raising awareness about child rights and protection thereof through electronic and print media, seminars and other available means; (e) Other steps, as deemed appropriate by the Committee
• Recommend policy and legal reforms for the protection and welfare of children; and
• Performs such other function as it deems necessary for the protection and promotion of child rights

Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights

The Speaker of National Assembly  has constituted the first-ever Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights under the convenorship of Member National Assembly/Parliamentary Secretary on Law & Justice. The Parliamentary Caucus include parliamentarians from National Assembly. The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights constituted in pursuance of unanimous resolution adopted by National Assembly during its session held on 20th October 2022. This resolution was adopted to ensure provision of fundamental rights to all Children as the bright future of the country is interlinked with growth and development of children. The resolution was tabled by MNA/Parliamentary Secretary on Law & Justice Ms. Mehnaz Akbar Aziz.

National Assembly Standing Committee for Human Rights

The Standing Committees of the National Assembly operate under the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly 2007. The Standing Committee considers Bills referred by the Assembly or the Speaker of Assembly and submits its report to the Assembly or the Speaker with such recommendations as it deems necessary, including any proposed legislation. The committee shall consider whether the Bill contravenes or flouts the Constitution or is otherwise unconstitutional. The committee shall also examine the expenditure, administration, delegated legislation, public petitions and policies of the ministry concerned and its associated public bodies and may forward its report with the findings.

The scope and mandate of the NA Standing Committee on Human Rights is to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights and protection against discrimination for all citizens.

Senate Committee for Human Rights

The Senate Committee for Human Rights is a standing committee of the Senate of Pakistan, the upper house of the country’s parliament. The committee is responsible for reviewing and making recommendations on legislation related to human rights, as well as investigating and reporting on human rights abuses and violations in the country. The committee also plays a role in promoting and protecting the human rights of all citizens of Pakistan, including marginalized and vulnerable groups. The Committee can also undertake studies and make recommendations for redressing the human right violations including proposal for legislation in that area. The Chairman of the Senate Committee for Human Rights in Pakistan is appointed by the Senate Chairman.