Laiba Riaz

I wish to express my deep concern over the growing neglect and violation of human rights in our society today. Human rights form the very foundation of freedom, justice, and peace, principles that are indispensable for ensuring human dignity and equality. They are not merely legal or moral ideals but the cornerstone of all human existence, providing every individual with the opportunity to live with respect, work with fairness, and thrive in a supportive environment. By safeguarding human rights, we help guarantee the fulfillment of basic human needs such as food, clean water, shelter, healthcare, and education, while also protecting individuals from exploitation, abuse, and discrimination.

Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, these fundamental rights are being undermined due to persistent poverty, social inequality, corruption, political instability, and a general lack of awareness. Incidents of child labor, domestic violence, gender-based discrimination, and the denial of access to education and healthcare continue to expose the harsh realities endured by countless vulnerable individuals. Such violations not only strip people of their dignity but also hinder the progress and moral development of entire societies.

It is, therefore, the collective responsibility of governments, institutions, and citizens to uphold and defend the principles enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Governments must ensure the strict implementation and enforcement of laws that protect these rights, while civil society organizations, educational institutions, and the media should play an active role in promoting awareness, advocating for justice, and amplifying the voices of the oppressed.

True progress can only be achieved when every person, regardless of gender, race, religion, or social status, is treated with respect and provided equal opportunities to realize their potential. I sincerely hope that this pressing issue receives the urgent attention it deserves from the concerned authorities, and that concrete, sustained measures are taken to guarantee the protection and promotion of every individual’s fundamental human rights. Only through such collective commitment can we build a more just, compassionate, and humane world for all.

Read: Linguistic Human Rights

______________________

Laiba Riaz, based in Rawalpindi, is LLB (1st Year) student

The post Protection and Promotion of Human Rights first appeared on Sindh Courier.

By Amir Murtaza

The recent arrest of a fruit vendor in Karachi’s Qayyumabad area, for sexually abusing several children has shocked the metropolitan. It has also exposed serious flaws Pakistan’s child protection system. According to police, the suspect lured children into his shop and home since 2019, while secretly recording horrific assaults on minors. Authorities have recovered a mobile phone and USB drives containing hundreds of videos, and investigators fear the number of victims may exceed.

What is most disturbing is not only the scale of abuse but also the fact that it remained hidden for years in one of Karachi’s densely populated neighborhoods. This points to the absence of effective gatekeeping mechanisms within communities, where abusers can exploit children without detection. In this case, there was no early intervention, no suspicion raised, and no systems in place to monitor or respond until explicit material was accidentally discovered.

The horrifying case also reflects a troubling lack of awareness about the child-abuse risks, warning signs, and reporting channels among residents. In many communities, families believe their neighborhoods are safe and often ignore the danger posed by sexual predators hiding behind familiar and trusted roles like vendors, shopkeepers, or drivers. Silence, stigma, and fear further prevent children from disclosing abuse, as seen in this case where young victims initially remained quiet despite suffering physical and emotional trauma.

This case is not an isolated event but symptomatic of broader systemic failures. Pakistan’s child protection infrastructure remains weak, fragmented, and reactive. Laws exist on paper, yet enforcement is inconsistent, and coordination between police, social welfare institutions, and child protection authorities is minimal. There is no robust mechanism for community-based child safeguarding, nor clear pathways for parents and children to seek help. The fact that only after parents lodged FIRs did the police begin to act decisively underscores the reactive, rather than preventive, nature of the system.

The Qayyumabad case should serve as a wake-up call, reminding us that the prevention of child abuse cannot rest solely on police action after crimes have been committed. Communities must be equipped and empowered through awareness campaigns that break the silence around abuse and help families recognize warning signs. Schools should also implement safety programs to teach children about their rights, personal boundaries, and how to report abuse safely.

At the same time, neighborhood gatekeeping systems are essential, where residents, local councils, and child protection units work together to monitor risks and safeguard vulnerable children. These efforts must be supported by strengthened child protection authorities with adequate resources and clear mandates to intervene, monitor, and provide assistance to survivors and their families.

It is important to mention that Pakistan has a National Commission on the Rights of the Child, as well as child protection authorities and units at the provincial and district levels. These structures should be used more effectively, with strict government oversight to ensure accountability and protection for children.

The horrors uncovered in Qayyumabad reveal not just the actions of a single predator but the cost of society’s collective neglect. In a city of millions, one man preyed upon children for years without detection. A chilling reminder of how vulnerable our children remain.

As a signatory to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and after the enactment of child-specific legislation, Pakistan bears both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure children’s safety and protection. Still, the continuation of such cases shows a clear gap between policy and action. Unless Pakistan invests in awareness, accountability, and community-based protection, these tragedies will keep happening in front of us.

This is not the first time Pakistan has been shaken by the exposure of systematic child abuse. More than two decades ago, the Javed Iqbal case horrified the nation when the serial killer confessed to murdering over one hundred children in Lahore. Since then, numerous other cases, from the Kasur child abuse scandal to repeated incidents of sexual violence against minors, have surfaced, each time sparking outrage but little sustained reform. These tragedies show a sad pattern, people are shocked, officials make promises, but real prevention and protection are missing. The Qayyumabad case reminds us that without real reforms, such incidents will keep happening.

Beyond institutional reforms, there is also a pressing need to build trust between children, families, and authorities. Too often, victims remain silent out of fear of stigma, disbelief, or retaliation, while parents hesitate to approach the police due to concerns about corruption or insensitivity. Child-friendly reporting channels such as confidential helplines, community focal persons, and safe spaces in schools or health centers can offer children and families safe ways to seek help. However, existing helplines are often ineffective or underused, as many people including children are unaware of or hesitant to use these services. Without such trust and accessibility, even the strongest laws will fail to protect the most vulnerable.

Read: Children’s Life after the Orphanage

_______________

Amir Murtaza is a Researcher and can be reached at amirmurtaza1@hotmail.com

The post Fast-Track Community Safeguards for Kids first appeared on Sindh Courier.

From Correspondent

Islamabad

U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and Pakistan Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Ms. Humaira Ahmed signed an agreement on cultural property protection in Islamabad on January 30, 2024.

The agreement establishes import restrictions on certain types of archaeological and ethnological materials originating from Pakistan and entering the United States.  The agreement facilitates the return of these cultural objects to the people of Pakistan.

This agreement commits both parties to work together to counter looting and trafficking of objects, promote a clean market for Pakistani art and antiquities in the United States, and increase opportunities for U.S. museums and the American public to learn about and experience Pakistan’s history and culture.

“This agreement protects unique and historically significant artifacts for future generations. It also demonstrates U.S. support for the principles of tolerance and respect for diversity – principles by which the people of this region have lived for centuries,” said Ambassador Blome.

Also read: Ranikot – The Great Wall of Sindh Severely Damaged by Recent Heavy Rains

“The agreement underscores the United States’ global commitment to cultural heritage protection and preservation. The United States has been unwavering in its commitment to protect and preserve cultural heritage around the world and to restrict trafficking in cultural property, which may be used to fund terrorist and criminal networks,” an official statement said.

To date, the United States has returned over 175 cultural objects to Pakistan, and this agreement simplifies the process.

Also read: Massive rains cause major damage to Mohen Jo Daro

Since 2001, the United States government has supported 35 cultural heritage preservation projects across Pakistan with more than $8.4 million USD.  U.S.-funded preservation projects include the conservation of Gandhara archaeological treasures and Mughal architectural heritage, documentation of historic manuscripts, the digitization of museums, and the restoration of historically significant Sufi shrines and Hindu monuments, among other projects. This new bilateral cultural agreement highlights the diversity of the Pakistani people and sets the stage for further bilateral cooperation, the US Mission said in statement.

35 Cultural Preservation Projects funded by the US Government

The US Mission in Pakistan’s website says, “Pakistan is home to 35 U.S. government-funded cultural preservation projects and partnerships amounting to over $8.4 million.  These projects range from the conservation of Gandhara archaeological treasures, preservation of Mughal architectural heritage, to documentation of historic manuscripts, restoration of historically and architecturally significant Sufi shrines and Hindu monuments, academic and professional partnerships, and digitization of museums.”

The details show that 20, out of 35 projects, funded by the United States are located in Punjab alone.

Following are the details:

2023: Curation and upgrade of Mehergarh Museum, Quetta, Balochistan – $320,470

2023: Professional exchange for experts in safeguarding cultural heritage, Kyber Pakhtunkhwa – $249,998

2023: Professional exchange for experts in cultural preservation and museums, Punjab – $150,000

2022: Preservation of cross-cultural edifices and inter-religious heritage at the Lahore Fort, Lahore, Punjab – $982,500

2021: Restoration of Frere Hall, Karachi, Sindh – $350,000

2021: Preservation of neighborhood context, southern side of Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Walled City, Punjab – $200,000

2020: S.-Pakistan university partnership on cultural preservation:  U.S. Boston Architectural College and the University of Baltistan Skardu, Gilgit-Baltistan – $464,739

2019: Nusserwanjee building preservation in Karachi, Sindh – $100,000

2019: Preservation of historic havelis at Chowk Wazir Khan Mosque, Lahore Walled City, Punjab – $196,776

2019: Museum on Wheels – The Citizens Archive of Pakistan interactive exhibit, Sindh – $98,364

2019: S.-Pakistan university partnership on cultural preservation:  U.S. Boston Architectural College and Lahore National College of Arts – $98,043

2019 and 2017: Preservation at Takht-i-Bahi Buddhist archaeological site, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – $229,028 and $399,875

2018: Re-Think Peshawar – digitization of Peshawar Museum collection, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – $23,722

2017 and 2016: Celebrating Diversity and Shared Cultural Heritage in Pakistan – strategic cultural partnership between the Smithsonian Institution and Lok Virsa Museum, Islamabad, Pakistan – $228,040 and $439,245

2017 and 2013: S.-Pakistan university partnership on cultural preservation:  U.S. Boston Architectural College and Lahore National College of Arts – $489,545 and $995,033

2015: Preservation of Varun Dev Hindu Temple, Manora Island, Karachi, Sindh – $249,785

2015: Chowk Wazir Khan Mosque restoration, Lahore Walled City, Punjab – $1,119,529

2014: Preservation at tombs of Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad, Makli Hill (Thatta), Sindh – $260,036

2013: Preservation at Sheikhupura Fort, Punjab – $82,850

2010: Preservation at Sunehri Masjid (Golden Mosque), Lahore, Punjab – $67,500

2010: Preservation at Hazrat Musa Pak Shaheed, Multan, Punjab – $22,358

2010: Preservation at Hazrat Rajan Qattal, Uch, Bhawalpur, Punjab – $62,351

2010: Preservation at Hazrat Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Kot Mithan, Rajanpur, Punjab – $65,011

2009: Preservation at Hazrat Shah Shams Tabriaz, Multan, Punjab – $50,000

2009: Preservation at Hafiz Muhammad Hayat shrine complex, Gujrat, Punjab – $46,900

2008: Preservation at Hazrat Sakhi Sarwar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab – $46,800

2008 and 2005: Preservation at Jinnan Wali Dheri monastery, Taxila, Punjab – $41,000 and $32,887

2007: Preservation of medieval Pashto literature, poetry, Islamic jurisprudence, and Islamic history manuscripts at the University of Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – $45,270

2007: Preservation at Hazrat Jalaluddin Bukhari, Uch Sharif, Punjab – $45,270

2006: Preservation at Alamgiri Gate, Lahore Fort, Lahore, Punjab – $31,843

2006: Preservation at Gor Khatri, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – $34,999

2004 and 2002: Preservation at Masjid Wazir Khan, Lahore Walled City, Punjab – $31,015 and $15,000

2003: Preservation at Mann Singh Haveli, Rohtas Fort, Jehlum, Punjab – $28,070

2002: Preservation at Mohabbat Khan Mosque, Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – $14,446

2001: Preservation at Sirkap archeological site, Taxila, Punjab – $18,033

The details show that 20, out of 35 projects, funded by the United States are located in Punjab alone.

________________

The post United States and Pakistan sign agreement to protect Pakistan’s cultural heritage first appeared on Sindh Courier.