Child Protection Laws Urged in Gilgit-Baltistan | Shyok Times

Gilgit-Baltistan: PTI Gilgit-Baltistan spokesperson Ali Taj has called on Chief Minister Amjad and the provincial government to take immediate and concrete measures to strengthen the protection of children following another tragic incident.

Ali Taj criticised what he described as the recurring pattern of outrage, official notices and limited follow-up after such incidents, warning that without meaningful institutional reforms, society may once again be left waiting for the next tragedy.

He urged the provincial government to urgently introduce a strong Child Protection Act, establish a dedicated Child Protection Agency, and set up a specialised Child Protection Court to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice through an effective and comprehensive legal mechanism.

“Traditional policing alone is not enough to address the protection of children,” Ali Taj said, emphasising the need for specialised institutions and stronger enforcement mechanisms.

He further suggested that if funding remains a constraint, the provincial government should seek technical and financial assistance from international child-protection organisations, including UNICEF, to strengthen institutional capacity.

Ali Taj also highlighted the role of the Soni Juari Center, saying that child protection should be central to its mandate and efforts.

He called for immediate action rather than relying on the familiar cycle of statements, outrage and official notices, stressing that effective child-protection mechanisms are needed to prevent future tragedies and safeguard vulnerable children.

— Shyok Times | News Desk

Statement attributed to Ali Taj, spokesperson for PTI Gilgit-Baltistan.