In Pakistan, we are witnessing an increase in the rates of child rights violation cases across all sectors. The increase in the number of complaints is also considered to be largely due to an increased awareness of child abuse and the importance of reporting.

One of the core Mandates of the National Commission on the Rights of Child is to inquire into complaints of violations of Child Rights in the country. The commission also has power to take suo moto on serious cases of violation of child rights and to examine factors that inhibit the enjoyment of rights of children.

Under the Section 15(e), it mandates the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) “inquire into violation of child rights and recommend to the relevant agency or department initiation of proceedings in such cases. The section 15(f) enables the Commission to “examine all factors that inhibit enjoyment of rights of child, such as violence, abuse and exploitation, trafficking, torture, pornography and prostitution and recommend appropriate remedial measures”.

The Section 15(g) of the Act states that the commission shall “sponsor, steer, and encourage research and maintain a database relating to children and their issues to provide knowledge and awareness for national policy and strategic action for its remedy”.

Additionally, under the Section 15(k) of the Act empowers the National Commission on the Rights of Child to “inquiring into complaints of violations of child rights, may call for information or report from the Federal Government, civil society organizations and autonomous or concerned bodies and in this regard the Commission shall have the powers vested in a civil court under the Code of Civil Procedure. 1908 (Act V of l90ll) for enforcing the attendance of any person and compelling the production of documents”.