Justice Mansoor Ali Shah Stresses Need for Children’s Courts in Pakistan

Islamabad: Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has emphasized the urgent need for specialized Children’s Courts in Pakistan to address legal matters concerning minors. Speaking at a ceremony focused on children’s justice, he highlighted that the judiciary is acutely aware of children’s rights, stating, “Children are not just our future, they are also our present. They are a gift from Allah.”
Justice Shah pointed out the alarming number of children in Pakistan—more than 25 million—who are not attending school, and stressed the importance of ensuring children’s rights are protected within the judicial system. He also acknowledged the growing dangers children face today, such as cyberbullying, forced religious conversions, and harmful traditional practices like ‘Wani’ (child marriages). He further noted the lack of adequate facilities for children with special needs.
The judge emphasized that children’s voices often go unheard in the courtroom, with cases typically focusing on the parents. “In the future, if a child is present in court, their voice should be heard directly,” he said. He urged the judiciary to incorporate children in decision-making processes, ensuring their rights and opinions are taken into account.
Justice Shah also expressed concern about the delayed justice for children, warning that legal proceedings often stretch over 15 to 20 years, which is unacceptable. He stressed that cases involving minors should be resolved swiftly and suggested the creation of Children’s Courts to expedite such cases and deliver timely justice for young people.
Additionally, Justice Shah condemned the physical abuse of children in schools and pointed to the lack of resources for children with special needs. He called for urgent reform in these areas and underlined the importance of the constitutional protections afforded to children, specifically the interpretation of Article 11(3) of the Constitution, which pertains to child labor. He urged legal experts to take the lead in providing clarity on this matter.
Justice Shah concluded by reiterating that children’s rights should be prioritized and highlighted that the justice system must evolve to better protect and serve Pakistan’s youngest citizens.