Islamabad High Court has sought detailed report from Ministry of Human Rights regarding the functioning of the authority established for the protection of children in the federal capital.
IHC Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued a written order on a public interest petition filed by citizen Sunila Khurram. The Court sought detailed answers from Ministry of Human Rights and Islamabad Police on questions and ordered designated officer of Ministry of Human Rights to appear before the court on July 1 to assist the court.
The IHC judges directed Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Agency (ZARRA) DG to appear before the court on next hearing.
Earlier, Islamabad administration submitted report on child abuse and disappearance incidents from 2022 to 2025. According to the report, 562 criminal cases of child abuse and disappearance were registered during three years. Several steps were taken after the implementation of the Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Act 2020, report of the Ministry of Human Rights said.
The Ministry of Human Rights told the court that Zara Act was made to ensure the protection of children’s rights, protection from violence, abuse, abduction and exploitation, adding that this act is in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and other international treaties, the court said. Under section 3 of Zara Act, the concept of establishing Zainab Alert Response and Recovery Agency was given, the court said.
The court sought details of the establishment of the Zara Agency, its organizational structure, sanctioned posts, appointments and performance.
How many cases have been registered against government officials for negligence under Section 9 of the Zara Act? Court questioned. What steps have been taken to provide legal aid to the affected children and their guardians? Has the Islamabad Child Protection Advisory Board been formed? Islamabad High Court observed. The IHC judge sought details of the measures taken, including recommendations and suggestions presented in the meetings of the Advisory Board.
IHC questioned the institutional arrangement between Zara and Islamabad Police for communication, exchange of information and implementation of the law.
