Islamabad: The Senate Human Rights Function Committee on Thursday urged strong action to protect children from abuse from seminaries and schools, declaring that no child should suffer in the name of education.
The meeting, chaired by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri at the Parliament Building, examined disturbing reports of corporal punishment, torture and sexual abuse in religious seminaries of Punjab, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkwwwwa. Officials from federal and provincial departments briefed the committee on the steps to resolve the issue.
Senator Samina Zehri stressed that the most important responsibility of the state is to protect children. She clearly stated that the purpose was not to target legitimate religious institutions, but to eliminate abuse through supervision and accountability. She expressed concern about the lack of proper registration, financial transparency and surveillance of these institutions.
She called for strict measures, including regular inspections of Madressah, mandatory parent-teacher participation, teacher protection training and a ban on corporal punishment. She also highlighted the shocking low belief rate in the reported cases, warning that the cycle of abuse would continue without prosecution and deterrence.
Senate panel reviews reports on corporal punishment, torture and sexual abuse in educational institutions
Senator Aimal Wali Khan added that many Madressahs have become developing systems rather than being incorporated into the national education framework. He pushed for legislation to ensure transparency and bring seminary under mainstream education boards.
Other members recommend monitoring and coordination of provincial laws at the regional level to protect children.
The committee also examined a case at Comsats University that involved derogatory terms targeting students’ financial background and late fathers. The incident is said to have occurred during a class speech in June, and later reconciled, and the tool even gave the laptop to students.
Nevertheless, Senator Samina Zehri said such incidents highlighted a deeper problem. She stressed that no students were humiliated in the financial environment, which could cause lasting psychological harm. She called on the university to promote compassion and respect, and urged training on communication, tolerance and mental health awareness among teachers and students.
The meeting further resolved the dilemma of Pakistani citizens being imprisoned abroad. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Interior briefing showed ongoing consular efforts but acknowledged challenges such as the lack of prisoner transfer agreements, limited resources and document gaps.
Senator Samina Zehri urged stronger action, demanding national data, systematic tracking of cases, and transparent reporting. She urged ministries to develop a coordinated national strategy and develop a timetable for legal aid, consular support and recovery returns. A detailed action plan will be introduced at the next meeting.
Posted in Dawn on September 19, 2025
