Sindh Minister for Social Welfare, Shamim Mumtaz has said that the rules of business of Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) has been notified and by mid April 2017, offices at divisional level will start functioning, while its network to district level will be expanded in next financial year.
She directed newly appointed Director General SCPA, Abdul Wahid Laghari in her office to take measure to setup divisional offices of authority in Karachi with status of Headquarter, Hyderabad, Shaheed Benazirabad, Mirpur Khas, Sukkur and Larkana so as to provide protection to children in case of need in line with international human rights treaties and conventions ratified by Pakistan. The minister who is also chairperson of SCPA expressed these views while having introductory meeting with newly appointed DG SCPA Abdul Wahid Laghari, here on Saturday.
She said that all the preparations should be completed in a month so that authority could be fully functionalized till mid April. She also directed to launch website of the authority creating linkage with child protection units and child protection officers working in various districts throughout the province with support of enhanced access to public at large. She remarked that role of Sindh Assembly Members was commendable who always made landmark legislation like much needed Sindh Child Protection Authority Act, however, she added that process of establishing authority was delayed due to some procedural hurdles.