Why Pakistan Must Criminalize All Forms of Child Beating
Faisal Saleem
Khanewal: In recent months, Pakistan has witnessed heart-wrenching cases of domestic violence against child domestic workers. In February 2024, a girl in Rawalpindi, and in April, cases in Jhang and Lahore, lost their lives after being brutally beaten over minor allegations such as unsatisfactory work or false claims of petty theft. Sadly, no comprehensive data exists on the full extent of violence against domestic workers, only the most tragic, fatal incidents reach the public eye.
According to a report compiled by Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) using the Right to Information law, a total of 683 cases of physical violence against children were reported across Pakistan in 2024. However, only 1 percent of these cases resulted in the conviction of the perpetrator. Punjab recorded 455 cases, yet only 7 culprits were punished. In Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 208 cases were reported, 354 in Sindh, and just one in Balochistan.
While some promising legislative steps have been taken, there is still a significant need for stronger and more consistent protection mechanisms for children. Three provinces have passed laws prohibiting corporal punishment, but these laws vary in scope and implementation.
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Notably, the Gilgit-Baltistan Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act 2015 is the most comprehensive, banning physical punishment in all settings, including homes, schools, workplaces, day-care centers, and juvenile detention centers. In contrast, laws in The Sindh Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act (2017) and the Islamabad Capital Territory Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, (2021) focus more on schools and workplaces and lack explicit mention of domestic settings.
Despite the existence of such laws, a national-level legislation prohibiting all forms of corporal punishment is still missing. According to the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Lahore, 268 children were rescued from abusive environments in Punjab over the last five years, some of whom are still living under the bureau’s protection.
The challenge is compounded by the fact that some national laws, like Section 89 of the Pakistan Penal Code (1860), continue to allow physical punishment if done in “good faith” or with the “consent of a guardian.” This outdated legal protection provides cover for abusive discipline in the name of training or correction.
The 2017-2018 Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey revealed that 81% of children aged 1 to 14 in Punjab experienced physical punishment in the previous six months. This finding was based on interviews with 379 children across the province.
On the global front, Thailand made headlines in 2024 by becoming the 68th country worldwide and the second in the ASEAN region to ban all forms of corporal punishment against children. In a major legal reform, Thailand amended Article 1567 of its Civil and Commercial Code, and the law was enacted in March 2025 after royal assent.
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In contrast, Pakistan remains among 29 countries where corporal punishment of minors is still either legally permissible or socially accepted in various settings.
April 30 is observed globally as the International Day to End Corporal Punishment, prompting experts and social advocates to reflect on what more can be done.
Human rights lawyer Rao Akram Khurram emphasizes that while existing laws focus on child protection and education, they fall short when it comes to regulating violence in homes, madrassas, and informal workplaces. He argues that many children suffer silently in these environments and later replicate this violent behavior in society.
Khurram stresses the need for parental education and awareness, as parents often overlook or accept abusive behavior toward their children.
Bismillah Irum, President of the social organization Roshan Rahein, advocates for a clear accountability mechanism. She recommends severe penalties and employment bans for institutions or individuals found guilty of abuse. She also highlights the importance of economic support for victims’ families, who are often forced to settle cases out of desperation or pressure.
Asiya Arif, Executive Director Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), states that SPARC advocated for legislation on corporal punishment in all provinces as a result of which the Islamabad Capital Territory Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2021 was passed that prohibits corporal punishment in educational institutions, orphanages, and other care institutions within ICT.
In Punjab, the Punjab Right to Free and Compulsory Education Ordinance 2014 prohibited corporal punishment in government schools for children aged 5-16 years. In Sindh, some level of achievement was attained but it is pertinent to mention that mere legislation isn’t enough and implementation of law is pivotal to protect children from physical and humiliating punishment.
SPARC has remained a member of national forums including Child Rights Movement (CRM) and global fora including SAIEVAC (South Asian Initiative to End Violence against Children).
Meanwhile, Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), remains hopeful about recent legislative progress. She highlighted the Commission’s efforts to advance the Prohibition of Child Domestic Labour Bill 2024, which proposes non-bailable, non-compoundable, and cognizable status for child domestic labour offenses.
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This bill aims to amend the Pakistan Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure by introducing Section 374-A, which criminalizes the recruitment, harboring, transport, or employment of children under 18 for domestic work. It proposes punishments ranging from two to seven years imprisonment and a minimum fine of Rs 500,000.
Chairperson Farooq believes this legislation, once enacted, will be instrumental in reducing cases of violence and ensuring justice for child victims.
It’s failure to criminalize all forms of corporal punishment against children constitutes a clear violation of its international obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which Pakistan ratified in 1990.
Article 19 of the UNCRC requires State Parties to protect children from “all forms of physical or mental violence,” including corporal punishment in any setting.
Moreover, this legal gap undermines progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, which calls for ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against children.
By not enacting comprehensive and enforceable laws banning corporal punishment in homes, schools, and workplaces, Pakistan is falling short of both its treaty obligations and its commitment to ensuring a safe, just, and inclusive society for children.
