ISLAMABAD: The Senate Special Committee on Child Protection on Friday sought details of incidents related to violence against children from provincial governments and also summoned the chief commissioner and representatives from the Ministry of Human Rights and Pakistan Baitul Mal in its next meeting.

The committee’s convener, Senator Robina Khalid, also decided to examine child protection laws in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) countries.

Ms Khalid said the matter was very sensitive in nature and we must take advantage of regional and international legislation for safety of vulnerable children.

She also highlighted the need to raise this issue in media consistently to accelerate policy-making process.

The committee also sought statistics of incidents related to violence against children from across the country.

It was of the view that due to a grave situation in the country, there is a dire need to make strict laws to ensure protection of children.

Senator Mohammad Ali Saif apprised the committee about the features of Zainab Alert Bill.

The committee examined the existing laws related to child protection and also sought proposals from members for effective, comprehensive and strict legislation.

Published in Dawn, February 22nd, 2020