Critical Review

Abstract

Pakistani children experience a wide range of protection issues including physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, harmful traditional practices and the economic exploitation and abuse due to broader socio-economic and structural factors. However, the state response in the form of legislation, policy and intervention relating to child protection is sketchy. This article provides a critical review of the child protection legislative and policy framework in Pakistan. In doing so, it identifies the gaps in existing laws and policies, points out the negative impacts that these gaps have on children's safety and well being, and highlights the need for a legislative and policy framework, which corresponds with the existing reality of the issue and ensure Pakistani children's basic right to protection.