It is disheartening to know that corporal punishment is still being practiced in schools and homes to disciple children. Corporal punishment has a historical precedent and has spawned old proverbs such as “spare the rod and spoil the child” but practice is now being revisited.
The Islamabad High Court has banned corporal punishment in public schools suspending Section 89 of the Pakistan Penal Code which inadvertently allowed punishing children “in good faith” with the consent of a guardian. This was in contravention of Article 14 of the Constitution which relates to the dignity of man and forbids all form of torture. It is discerning to note that laws are not updated to reflect the acceptance of the society.
The petition was filed by singer and activist Shehzad Roy who has been campaigning for child rights. He argued that violence and force is being against children at home and school which reduces their self-confidence when they step out in society. After the verdict, he expressed gratitude for abolishing the colonial-era law in public interest to respect the rights and dignity of the child.
Corporal punishment has been outlawed in most of the developed world but continues to be a hotly debated even today and widely prevalent in our society. Many parents and even teachers support spanking children as a means of disciplining children. The acceptance of punishment various but most agree any severe and degrading form of treatment should be shunned.
In 2006, the UN committee on child rights declared that corporal punishment is a severe form of violence and should be banned in all forms. The committee oversees the implementation of the landmark Convention on Rights of the Child to which Pakistan is a signatory. It would be beneficial if Pakistan would do away with such archaic and obsolete laws.
The parliament has been working on a law against corporal punishment but it has yet to see daylight. The esteemed members of parliament should expedite such laws so that the rights of children can be safeguarded. The nation has seen horrific cases of child abuse and violence towards children in recent years. In this regard, it is even more appropriate if such laws are abolished.
Children should be treated with care and affection. The home and school should not be place where their dignity is violated but rather where they are groomed to be productive members of society. Parents, teachers, and elders should provide an environment conducive for a child’s upbringing while the government should raise any awareness campaign. The horrific practice should be erased in all forms from our society.
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