ISLAMABAD: The Convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA, on Tuesday strongly condemned the sexual abuse of a nine-month-old infant in Sohawa Bolani, Civil Lines, Mandi Bahauddin.
In a statement issued on September 1, 2026, Dr Nikhat termed the incident heart-wrenching, barbaric, disgusting and heinous. She said any form of abuse and violence against children, particularly sexual abuse of infants, was a grave violation of their fundamental rights and the Constitution of Pakistan, as well as an affront to humanity.
She said every child had the right to life, safety, dignity and protection, adding that the State carried the highest responsibility to safeguard children from all forms of abuse and exploitation.
Dr Nikhat called upon the Punjab Police and the concerned authorities to ensure a swift, transparent and impartial investigation into the incident. She said the perpetrator must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law under Section 376(iii) of the Pakistan Penal Code to ensure exemplary punishment and deter such heinous crimes.
The PCCR convener also stressed the urgent need to strengthen child protection systems across the country. She called for effective implementation of the Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Act, operationalisation of district Child Protection Units, and immediate medical, psychological and legal support for survivors and their families.
Reaffirming her commitment as convener of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, Dr Nikhat said she would continue working with Parliament, the Government and civil society to promote and protect the rights of every child.
She pledged to advance legislative and policy measures aimed at creating a safe, secure and nurturing environment for all children in Pakistan, in line with the countryβs obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Dr Nikhat extended heartfelt sympathies to the family and prayed that Allah Almighty grants complete recovery and strength to the infant survivor, bestows patience upon the family, and protects every child in Pakistan from violence and harm.
