The federal government has imposed a complete ban on corporal punishment for children in Islamabad. All forms of mistreatment in government and private schools, religious seminaries, boarding houses, foster care, workplaces, and rehabilitation centers are now considered criminal offenses.
Authorities approved an amendments to the Islamabad Capital Territory Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act 2021. Under the revised law, any abusive treatment of children in educational institutions, religious schools, boarding facilities, foster care, workplaces, or rehabilitation centers is punishable.
According to the amendment passed by the Senate, threatening or intimidating a child can lead to two years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both. Physical assault or causing injury carries a penalty of one year imprisonment, a fine, or both. Serious injuries, such as broken bones, will incur punishments proportional to the severity of the harm.
Teachers or seminary staff who unjustifiably strike a child face up to three months in jail, a fine of Rs500, or both. Striking a child with hands, sticks, belts, shoes, or wooden spoons, as well as slapping, punching, kicking, shaking, throwing, pinching, or pulling hair or ears, is classified as corporal punishment.
Complaints in schools will be investigated by a three-member committee established by the Ministry of Education, with at least one female member required. Complaints against religious schools will be addressed by the designated committee of Wafaq al-Madaris, while other cases will be handled by the Ministry of Human Rights.
