The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) has expressed deep alarm over recent incidents of child abuse in Lahore, with its Convenor, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, condemning the rise in violence and exploitation against children across Pakistan. The PCCR has called for urgent and coordinated action to bring perpetrators to justice and prevent further crimes.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan highlighted two high-profile cases in Lahore that have sparked outrage. In the Hanjarwal area, a private school principal was arrested after allegedly subjecting an 11-year-old girl to inappropriate behavior over two months. The arrest followed a complaint by the victim’s mother, with authorities registering a formal case against the accused. In a separate incident in Mangamandi, she condemned the reported sexual assault of a 16-year-old boy who was allegedly lured by two suspects, Usman and Baqir, under false promises of employment. Both suspects were apprehended by police.
Speaking on behalf of both the PCCR and the National Assembly, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan stressed that such crimes not only shatter young lives but also threaten the fabric of society. She called for all child protection bureaus, especially the Punjab Child Protection Bureau, to take decisive action by ensuring the swift prosecution and strict punishment of offenders, asserting that clear and firm consequences could deter future abuse.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan urged civil society organizations, community leaders, and the wider public to actively collaborate with regulatory and law enforcement agencies. She emphasized that collective resolve, public engagement, and strict adherence to child protection laws are crucial for eradicating such crimes.
Reiterating the PCCR’s commitment to child safety, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan affirmed that protecting the dignity, security, and well-being of children must remain a shared national priority, describing it as a sacred responsibility for all segments of society.
