Recent videos of molestation of young children, especially boys, at seminaries have brought to light what many of us have known for a long time – that the weak and vulnerable in Pakistan have long been exploited without any recourse to justice.
In recent days videos emerged on social media showing clerics involved with molestation of young boys who were at the seminary to study. Despite social media outrage what is clear is that these are not isolated incidents.
In a letter to Punjab chief minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)’s chairperson, called for immediate action on persistent rights violations in the province. “With violence against women, children and trans persons showing no signs of abatement, HRCP has recommended strengthening the Punjab Commission on the Status of Women, instituting more effective child protection mechanisms and legislating to raise the age for marriage to 18 years.”
According to HRCP “Threats to religious freedoms must also be addressed by implementing the 2014 Supreme Court judgement in letter and spirit and taking steps to penalize false accusations of blasphemy. Existing labour laws and regulations related to inspections, safety protocols and wages must be implemented to protect vulnerable workers.”
