Abstract:
Child rights are universal and are inalienable as they are part of basic human rights. Due to fragility and vulnerability, rights of children are more likely to be infringed. Child Sexual Abuse is becoming one of the most serious challenge for the societies, globally.
In Pakistan, until recently, the issue of child sexual abuse remained unaddressed. It was not acknowledged as a criminal offence. Pakistani law used to recognize Child sexual abuse mainly under the provisions of rape and unnatural offence present in Pakistan Penal Code, 1860. In 2016, the first ever legal provision regarding child sexual abuse has been introduced in the criminal legal system.
It is concluded that newly legislated laws in Pakistan are good step towards the protection of children but still not comprehensive in nature. As the amendment lacks the clear definition regarding Child sexual abuse and has not covered all other related aspects i.e. child incestuous abuse etc. Moreover, the ambiguity regarding the definitions of ‘child’ has also not been addressed by the amendment. On the other hand, the legal regime of EU is far more comprehensive and effective than that of Pakistan along with its concurrence with the international obligations is laudable.
