Lahore High Court Orders Reforms in Darul Aman and Child Protection Bureaus in Punjab
The Lahore High Court has issued a landmark judgment mandating significant reforms in Darul Aman (shelter homes) and Child Protection Bureaus across Punjab. Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh, leading the hearing, delivered a 36-page ruling following petitions filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other concerned parties.
Key Rulings and Directives
- Removal of Male Employees
All male employees are to be removed from shelter homes and child protection facilities to enhance safety and security.
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- Security Enhancements
- Installation of CCTV cameras at entrances and premises of Darul Aman facilities.
- Deployment of female police personnel at all shelter homes.
- Comprehensive Monitoring Systems
- Development of a centralized database and software system to oversee shelter homes.
- Public accessibility of information about shelter homes and child protection facilities through official websites.
- Regulations and SOPs
- Formulation of rules under the Women Protection Act of 2016 within six months to govern shelter homes and safety centers.
- Creation of clear standard operating procedures (SOPs) for institutions under the Punjab Women Protection Authority.
- District Oversight and Committees
- Establishment of women’s protection committees in every district.
- District and session judges to conduct biannual reviews of shelter home conditions.
- Child Protection Measures
- Development of regulations for children’s welfare institutions and their registration.
- Creation of child protection units at tehsil and district levels.
- Vocational Training and Economic Rehabilitation
Vocational training programs will be introduced to economically empower women residing in shelter homes. - Clarification on Legal Ambiguities
The court addressed the lack of clarity in operating crisis centers under federal law, noting that most protection centers have not been established per the Women Protection Act of 2016, except for one in Multan.
Conclusion
This judgment underscores the urgent need for structural reforms to ensure the safety, security, and rehabilitation of vulnerable women and children in Punjab. By mandating improved monitoring, governance, and support systems, the Lahore High Court aims to set a benchmark for human rights protection and institutional accountability.
