A significant victory for child’s rights activists, as a bill against the corporal punishment of children in Islamabad, has been passed in the National Assembly.
The ICT Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill, a private member bill, was presented by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) MNA Mehnaz Akbar Aziz. The session also adopted an amendment to the bill presented by the government.
The new amendment will allow people to file complaints against corporal punishment in court, said Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari.
“The previous version of the bill stated that complaints must be made to the government committee formed for the purpose,” she added.
Shehzad Roy, the singer-cum-activist, who runs an NGO working for children’s education, was elated over the development.
Sharing his thoughts on TV, Roy thanked the Islamabad High Court Chief Justice Athar Minallah who had suspended Section 89 of the Pakistan Penal Code that allowed for the use of corporal punishment by parents, guardians, and teachers “in good faith for the benefit.”
Shehzad’s Zindagi Trust had petitioned for the abolishment of Section 89.
I also wish to thank Shireen Mazari who had personally appeared in court […] she herself had a bill on corporal punishment which could not progress in parliament due to some technicalities.
Roy called it a ‘huge deal’ as both the Opposition and treasury benches came together to pass the crucial legislation.
The children’s rights activist lamented that the children see beating at home by parents even before going to school, so they grow up with the idea that beating is essential for maintaining discipline.
Here Are Salient Features of the Bill
The bill defines minor as anyone under the age of 18 will be included in the definition of children.
Violence against children in all educational institutions and workplaces will be prohibited.
The term ‘corporal punishment’ refers to the punishment that involves the use of physical force. It also details the forms of violence used against children that will be considered illegal henceforth.
Injury of any kind will be counted as corporal punishment: slapping children, whipping them, beating them with sticks, shoes, wood or spoons is violence, according to the bill.
“Shaking, biting, grabbing by the hair, or pulling their ears is violence,” the bill adds.
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