Senior Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has emphasized the necessity of establishing child courts in Pakistan to ensure swift justice for cases involving children. Speaking at an event on child justice in Islamabad, he highlighted the judiciary’s role in safeguarding children’s rights.
He stated that children are not just the future but an integral part of the present. Justice Shah urged the judiciary to make child rights a priority, adding that judges need to understand the critical importance of justice for children.
He further noted that when a child appears in court, their voice should be heard. Listening only to parents in such cases is insufficient, and children should be included in the decision-making process.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah called for the immediate establishment of child courts to expedite cases involving minors. He stressed that children should not be left waiting for long periods in courtrooms and their cases should receive prompt hearings.
He also raised concerns over modern threats like cyberbullying faced by children and lamented that over 25 million children in Pakistan are out of school. Addressing cultural issues, he condemned outdated practices such as wani and forced religious conversions, urging society to overcome these challenges.
Moreover, he pointed out the prevalence of corporal punishment in schools, emphasizing the need for a safer environment for children. Justice Shah called on the judiciary to take effective steps to protect children’s rights and address their challenges
