ISLAMABAD:Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Thursday banned physical punishment of children in schools and issued notices to all the parties named in the plea to reply in two weeks.
Singer and Zindagi Trust president Shehzad Roy had filed an application seeking a ban on torture of children. He had made the secretaries from the Interior, Law, Education, And Human Rights Departments and the IGP as a party to the case.
During the proceedings, Roy’s counsel told that court that students are being subjected to brutal torture by teachers and school managements which directly affects the mental growth of children.
He contended that punishing children in educational institutions have become a routine. “Children’s punishment is being considered essential for improving learning. News of torture and punishment of children has been reported every day in the media,” it states.
Physical punishment should be banned in schools, prisons, and detention centres, it states, adding that the government should be directed to protect children from physical and mental torture.
It also urged that schools should be instructed in every way to protect children from any kind of physical and mental torture.
Justice Athar remarked a bill highlighting this issue was also approved in the National Assembly (NA) over which, the lawyer informed that the legislation process is being delayed due to political matters.
The judge has also directed the interior ministry to take steps for prevention of school punishment under article 14 of the Constitution.
Moreover, the hearing has been adjourned till March 5.
