The Capital Administration and Development Division (CADD) has sought different measures on part of the authorities concerned against the sale of children, child prostitution and pornography, including legislation to harmonise the existing laws with the articles of Optional Protocol and UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The measures are required as obligations after Pakistan has ratified the Optional Protocol to the UNCRC on Sale of Children, Child Prostitution and Child Pornography. For effective implementation, the CADD has formulated a strategy which has also sought legislative measures for curbing the child exploitation and includes amendments in the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC). The strategy suggests identification of the vulnerable families and provision of support to prevent children from trafficking.
To check child trafficking, the policy suggested enhancing the role of law enforcement and intelligence agencies to make an effective network. To promote international cooperation to assist the victims in their physical and psychological recovery, the strategy has suggested social integration and repatriation by enhancing the inter-governmental cooperation through mutual agreements.
To make the use of internet safe for children, the scheme has recommended amendments in cyber laws and limited availability of internet to children. In this regard, the Ministry of Information Technology will keep a check on internet service providers. The strategy said a number of illicit websites would be banned through firewalling.
The strategy also sees erection of quick response units in case of an emergency within the Interior Ministry, provincial home departments, police, FIA, IB, CIA, CADD, ICT and SPARC, an NGO. It also calls for creating awareness among various segments of society, particularly who work or deal with children through different means like the Ministry of Information, religious leaders, NGOs and electronic media.
CAAD seeks effective check on child abuse
