Child Protection & Social Protection 

Sindh Child Protection Authority

The Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) operates with a comprehensive mandate to ensure the protection and well-being of children throughout the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Central to its mission is the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of policies and laws pertaining to child protection. The authority oversees a range of functions, with a focus on prevention, response, and rehabilitation,  the SCPA operates a helpline (1121) dedicated to addressing cases of child protection violations. Moreover, it actively engages in child protection monitoring, case management, and referrals, working to reunify missing, separated, and unaccompanied children with their families. The SCPA also provides essential family support services, fosters community liaison, and establishes child protection committees to strengthen local engagement and support networks, and conducts awareness-raising initiatives to promote child rights and protection within communities and is equipped to respond swiftly to emergencies. The SCPA has also established Child Protection Units across province.

Social Welfare Department

The Social Welfare Department is mandated to work for the welfare of marginalized segments of society, including children, senior citizens, drug addicts, and transgender persons. It administers various laws and rules related to social welfare, such as the registration and control of voluntary social welfare agencies, child protection, child marriage restraint, senior citizen welfare, and street children shelter homes. The department is responsible for the registration, monitoring, and supervision of NGOs under relevant ordinances and acts. It also prepares and implements grant-in-aid policies for governmental entities and NGOs engaged in social services, coordinates social welfare programs with other departments and organizations, and oversees matters related to the Sindh Social Welfare Council. Additionally, the department plans and executes development schemes through various funding mechanisms, conducts capacity building initiatives for employees and social welfare organizations, and monitors and supervises services provided to vulnerable groups, including children, drug addicts, senior citizens, and transgender persons.

Sindh Police

The Sindh Police plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety, upholding law and order, and delivering justice across the province of Sindh, Pakistan. Its primary responsibilities include preventing and investigating crime, apprehending offenders, and enforcing laws without bias. Moreover, the force oversees traffic management, ensuring road safety, and provides security during public events and gatherings. The Sindh Police handles cases involving child abuse, crimes against children, and addresses situations where children are in conflict with the law. The Sindh Police operates a vital helpline, Madadgar 15, offering swift redressal for various complaints, including those concerning missing persons and complaints related to children and women

Sindh Prisons & Corrections Service

The Sindh Prisons and Corrections Service (SPCS) operates 24 prisons across the province. Under the umbrella of the Home Department, Government of Sindh, the SPCS is headed by the Inspector General of Prisons Sindh. The service is responsible for the safe custody, security, and welfare of prisoners, ensuring access to living conditions, healthcare facilities, court proceedings, and rehabilitation programs. In accordance with the Sindh Prisons & Corrections Service Act & Rules 2019, the SPCS focuses on implementing rehabilitative programs to facilitate the successful reintegration of inmates into society, promoting a healthy and compassionate environment within prison facilities, maximizing the safety of both inmates and the community through effective correctional practices. Additionally, the SPCS plays a role in the management and oversight of Juvenile Industrial Schools, aiming to provide guidance, support, and rehabilitation to juvenile offenders.

Labour  and Human Resource Department

The Labour and Human Resource Department of Sindh holds a multifaceted mandate aimed at promoting industrialization, fostering industrial pace, and ensuring compliance with labour laws and regulations. The department is also tasked with facilitating investment and employment opportunities within the province, contributing to economic growth and prosperity. Furthermore, the department is committed to safeguarding the welfare of the working labour force, including addressing issues such as child labour, and enhancing their capacity through training and development initiatives.

Human Rights Department

The Human Rights Department of the Government of Sindh is entrusted with the vital mandate of safeguarding and promoting human rights across the province. Its primary function is to formulate, implement, and monitor policies and initiatives aimed at upholding and protecting the fundamental rights of all individuals within Sindh. The department conducts investigations into human rights violations, refers and recommends investigation and inquires in respect of any incident of violation of human rights, coordination of activities of Departments in respect of human rights, and advocates for the implementation of international human rights standards and conventions.

Local Government Department

The Local Government Department of Sindh is tasked with administering and overseeing local governance structures across the province, ensuring effective delivery of services and governance at the grassroots level. Its mandate includes the formulation of policies, regulations, and guidelines related to local government administration, urban and rural development, municipal services, and municipal finance. The department facilitates the establishment and functioning of local government bodies such as city councils, municipal committees, and union councils, aiming to decentralize decision-making and empower local communities. It also coordinates with other government departments and agencies to address local-level challenges, promote sustainable development, and enhance citizen participation in governance processes. Moreover, the Local Government Department plays a significant role in birth registration initiatives, collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely and accurate registration of births across Sindh.

Minorities Affairs Department

The mandate of the Minorities Affairs Department of Sindh is to protect the rights of minority communities in the province. Established in 1995, initially as part of the Religious Affairs, Auqaf, Zakat, and Ushr Department, it was later separated in 2010 to focus more specifically on minority issues. The department is responsible for formulating policies, planning, coordinating, evaluating, and reviewing the regulatory framework concerning minority rights. It provides financial assistance, scholarships, medical treatment, marriage support (Jahez), and facilitates the repair and maintenance of religious places belonging to minority communities in Sindh. Through these functions, the department works towards ensuring the well-being, empowerment, and protection of minority groups, promoting inclusivity and harmony within the province.

Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities

The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Sindh is mandated to ensure the inclusion, empowerment, and welfare of persons with disabilities across the province. Its functions include formulating policies, programs, and initiatives to promote equal opportunities, accessibility, and participation for persons with disabilities in all aspects of life ensuring the implementation of the Sindh Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Act 2018. The department works to create an enabling environment by advocating for the rights and needs of persons with disabilities, providing support services, facilitating access to education, employment, healthcare, and social services, and promoting awareness and sensitization within society. Additionally, it collaborates with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and disability rights organizations, to implement and monitor disability-related initiatives and ensure the effective implementation of disability laws and conventions.

Provincial Disaster Management Authority- Sindh

Established in 2010 under the Rehabilitation Department, Government of Sindh, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) functions as a dedicated body for disaster management in the province. Operating in alignment with the National Disaster Management Act, 2010 PDMA Sindh focuses on inter and intradepartmental coordination, early preparedness for disaster mitigation, prevention, swift response to disasters, and early recovery and rehabilitation based on the build-back-better principle. Overseeing disaster management at the provincial level, PDMA collaborates with 30 District Disaster Management Authorities headed by Deputy Commissioners in each district. Since its inception, PDMA Sindh has managed various disasters, including historical floods in 2010 and 2022. The authority continually undertakes institutional reforms, expands facilities, and enhances capacity through stocking equipment and conducting capacity development initiatives to improve disaster management capabilities in the province. 

Federal Agencies with Provincial Jurisdiction | Programmes 

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• Zainab Alert, Response, and Recovery Agency (ZARRA)
• Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
• Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA)
• Legal Aid and Justice Authority (LAJA)
• National Database & Registration Authority (NADRA)
• Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal

Education

Health Department

The Health Department of Sindh holds a critical mandate to ensure the provision of quality healthcare services to the residents of the province. Its functions includes a wide range of activities aimed at promoting public health, preventing diseases, and providing medical care to the population. This includes formulating health policies, planning and implementing healthcare programs, regulating healthcare facilities and professionals, conducting disease surveillance, and responding to health emergencies. The department also implements immunization programs, provides specialized pediatric care, and works to improve maternal and child health outcomes, aiming to ensure that children receive essential healthcare services to thrive and lead healthy lives. The department is responsible for managing healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics, and medical colleges, and ensuring the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies. Moreover, it collaborates with national and international organizations, as well as other government departments.

Sindh Mental Health Authority

The Sindh Mental Health Authority, established in August 2017 under the Sindh Mental Health Authority Act 2013, advises the government on promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders. It sets new standards for patient care, recommends improvements to existing mental health services, and advocates for specialized services for children, adolescents, psychogeriatric patients, and those with learning disabilities. Additionally, it prescribes procedures for mental health services, including codes of practice for mental health personnel, ensures proper assessment and treatment through regular reviews, and regulates aftercare and rehabilitation. The authority also oversees the establishment of help lines and crisis centers, conducts public awareness programs, promotes research, and registers psychiatrists. Moreover, it organizes training programs to support the implementation of the Act’s objectives.

Multi-Sectoral

Planning and Development Department

The Planning and Development Department of Sindh holds a crucial mandate to facilitate the development planning process and coordinate development initiatives across the province. Its functions includes formulating policies, strategies, and plans for socio-economic development, overseeing the implementation of development projects, and allocating resources efficiently to address the needs of various sectors. Additionally, the department conducts research, collects data, and provides technical assistance to support evidence-based decision-making. It collaborates with other government departments, international organizations, and stakeholders to promote sustainable development, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth. Moreover, the Planning and Development Department plays a key role in monitoring and evaluating the progress of development projects and programs to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with overall development goals for the betterment of the people of Sindh.

Sindh Bureau of Statistics

The Sindh Bureau of Statistics (SBoS) operates under the Planning & Development Board, Government of Sindh. Since its inception in the early 1970s, SBoS has been entrusted with the mandate to gather reliable and high-quality statistical information on various socio-economic indicators of the region. Its functions include the collection, compilation, and tabulation of statistical data across different socio-economic sectors of the province. SBoS is responsible for publishing statistical documents to disseminate information, conducting surveys, preparing reports, and serving as a liaison between the provincial and federal government on statistical matters. Moreover, it extends technical guidance and assistance to other provincial statistical cells, facilitates the preparation of basic socio-economic indicators of the province, and acts as an electronic data processing agency to meet the statistical requirements of the provincial government.

Law, Parliamentary Affairs & Criminal Prosecution Department

The Law, Parliamentary Affairs and Criminal Prosecution Department of Sindh holds a multifaceted mandate including legal advisory services, legislative drafting, parliamentary affairs coordination, and criminal prosecution oversight. Its functions include providing legal advice to the provincial government, drafting legislation, reviewing legal matters, and representing the government in legal proceedings. The department also facilitates parliamentary affairs by coordinating legislative matters between the provincial assembly and the government. It also oversees criminal prosecution activities, ensuring effective legal representation and adherence to legal procedures in criminal cases.

Federal Agency with Provincial Jurisdiction | Programmes 

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• Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS)

Oversight and Monitoring Agencies

Sindh Human Rights Commission

The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) was established in 2013 under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act 2011 to promote and protect human rights in the province. Endowed with various powers and functions, the commission has the authority to inquire into human rights violations and abuses. It can make recommendations and issue reports on human rights, monitor detention centers, and promote awareness through education initiatives. Additionally, the SHRC collaborates with NGOs and institutions, reviews laws and policies, monitors international obligations. Under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2023, SHRC has been given mandate of “Business and Human Rights” to monitor abuses within business enterprises, and assist the Sindh government in implementation the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights 2021-2026.

Sindh Commission on the Status of Women

The Sindh Commission on the Status of Women (SCSW) was established under the Sindh Commission on the Status of Women Act, 2015. The functions and mandate of the Commission are to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment, identify and address issues related to women’s rights and gender discrimination, propose and advocate for policy and legal reforms to protect and promote women’s rights, conduct research and collect data on women’s status and gender-related issues, create awareness about women’s rights and gender equality, and facilitate the resolution of complaints related to violations of women’s rights while providing support to affected women.

Ombudsman Sindh

The Ombudsman Sindh holds the vital mandate of providing an impartial and independent mechanism for redressing grievances and complaints against Sindh government functionaries and public authorities within the province. Its primary function is to investigate allegations of maladministration, corruption, injustice, and abuse of power by public officials, ensuring accountability and transparency in governance. The office serves as a bridge between the government and the people, promoting good governance practices and fostering public trust in state institutions.

Federal Agencies with Provincial Jurisdiction | Programmes 

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• National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC)
• National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR)
• National Commission for the Status of Women (NCSW)
• Wafaqi Mohtasib