In a historic move, Pakistan’s National Assembly has passed a bill banning all forms of corporal punishment for children in Islamabad. The bill is passed to protect the children from the adverse effects of corporal punishment, as it impacts their mental health and dignity.
The bill has now been passed to the Senate for approval. Teachers and guardians will be penalized for inflicting hurt upon children. The government believes this ban will enable the development and survival of children.
A historical moment! NA passes a bill banning corporal punishment for physically punishing children. With the efforts and campaigning of Musician & @UNODC🇵🇰 GWA @ShehzadRoy this was achieved. Well done Shehzad!@JMilsom_UNODC @UNinPak @julienmh https://t.co/YZdJEl8lt0
— UNODC Pakistan (@UNODCPakistan) February 24, 2021
Singer Shehzad Roy, who has been working for children’s rights for a long time, welcomes the new law. He appreciated the minor and major penalties for violating the law on his Twitter account.
Roy posted a video clip on his Twitter account. He said, “In this clip, I’m addressing kids who go to schools or madrassas. Teacher or instructors who twist your ears slap you across the face or shows aggression of any sort… Well kids, good news for you! None of this will ever happen to you ever again.”
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“What you just saw were government officers deciding on your behalf to ban cruelty against physical torture conducted in schools and religious institutions,” he said while commending the decision taken by the government.
“Parents are the first to physically abuse kids, followed by teachers and then, lastly, the authorities. The development of a child by now revolves around the connection between discipline and physical abuse. This results in a violent society.”
GREAT NEWS FOR THE CHILDREN OF PAKISTAN…School mein maar khane ke din gaye! Ab koi aap ko thappar nahi maar sakta aur na hi aap ka kaan maror sakta hai.@ShireenMazari1 @MehnazAkberAziz @AsadQaiserPTI @ZindagiTrust #BanCorporalPunihment #ChildrenOfPakistan #Victory pic.twitter.com/po7Fb2fbtn
— Shehzad Roy (@ShehzadRoy) February 24, 2021
Roy concluded with a request to all parents and children. “I appeal to parents to stop abuse against children beginning from their homes. Any child who is watching this, warn your teachers… if they approach you in an unmannerly way, a bill has been passed to protect you.”
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The National Assembly of Pakistan appreciated the support of Roy. “Corporal punishment was affecting children’s mental and physical development, as well as educational activities. The Speaker said that the efforts of renowned singer and social activist, head of Zindagi Trust, Shehzad Roy to curb physical violence against children were creditable,” said the National Assembly of Pakistan.