Karachi: Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO) at press conference demanded to authorities and judiciary to have speedy, transparent and exemplary prosecution of accused allegedly involved in rape and murder of child domestic labour Fatima in Ranipur and torture and attempted murder of child domestic labour Rizwana in Islamabad. Chairperson Punjab Child Protection Bureau Sarah Ahmed, renowned actress and child rights activist, Nadia Jameel, child protection ambassadors and renowned actors Mahira Khan, Ahsan Khan and Frieha Altaf Also participated press conference.

Sarah Ahmed Chairperson Punjab Child Protection Bureau said that cases of Fatima and Rizwana stands as harrowing example of consequences of child labour and slavery and such cases should be made test case to serve as deterrent, sending clear message that these heinous acts will not be tolerated.

“A nation that can’t protect its children, cannot progress”. She said that child protection bureaus and authorities are doing its efforts to provide protection to children working in hazardous environments and those who are victims of domestic violence, but we need support from all relevant stakeholders to prevent these issues.

Syed Kausar Abbas Executive Director SSDO highlighting grave concern on rising cases of child trafficking and modern slavery said that rising cases of child slavery and child trafficking demands our collective attention and action to ban child labour and combat child trafficking and slavery in Pakistan.

Nadia Jameel said that those perpetrating these heinous crimes are often ones that hold great influence, power and even political backing. As such, it becomes incredibly easy for them to avoid any sort of punishment, easily getting away with their crimes.

Mahira Khan said that there were many young girls that have undergone these heinous treatments and it is plainly obvious that if we do not take stand today, if we do not harshly punish these offenders today, then countless other young girls will suffer same fate in future. Ahsan Khan said that despite any hue and cry against it, this practice still endures. Worst if all, we can see from Rizwana’s case that even among those we perceive to be well-educated, they are observed to be very worst offenders.

Frieha Altaf insisted that story of these young girls is testament to urgency of addressing this issue and seeking justice for those who have suffered. We demand thorough and impartial investigation into Rizwana and Fatima case and Justice must be swift.

Published in The Daily National Courier, August, 23 2023

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