Cabinet commitee proposes stricter law to check kite flying

LAHORE:The Punjab government has proposed amendments to the laws regarding child marriage, extending the term ‘child’ to individuals under the age of 18, and imposing strict penalties for kite flying through amendments to the Kite Flying Prohibition Ordinance 2001.

The was said by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman during the fifth meeting of the Cabinet's Standing Committee on Legislation and Enforcement at Darbar Hall. The provincial minister stated that the aim of amending the Child Marriage Act 1929 is to deter the division based on caste foundations among children. Amendments to the ordinance against kite flying aim to curb the circulation of kites as lethal weapons, particularly targeting children who are often unaware of the severity of the issue. The actual culprits of kite flying, kite makers, string manufacturers, and those who introduce them to the market, will face the true consequences of the law. He directed the police department to report on the progress made in curbing kite flying during the next meeting, including the number of actions taken and fines imposed.

He emphasised that until the police prioritise action against kite makers instead of accepting bribes from kite flyers, fatalities from string injuries will persist. Other participants in the meeting included Minister for Information Azam Bukhari, Minister for Law and Transport Sahib Ahmed Malik, and Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeshan Rafique.

The meeting reviewed amendments to the Kite Flying Prohibition Ordinance 2001 in Punjab. Changes in the definition of ‘child’ in the Child Marriage Act 1929 were approved. Azam Bukhari emphasised the importance of all stakeholders being informed about the proposed acts and ordinances and understanding the reasons behind the amendments.

Clarity before enforcement prevents baseless criticism and unnecessary debates. The ordinance against kite flying proposes penalties for children and strict punishments for kite and string manufacturers. Holding children accountable will make parents aware of their responsibilities.

Child protection policy

Cabinet committee on legislative business, under the chairmanship of Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman, has approved the child protection policy. Provincial Ministers Azma Bukhari, Sohaib Bhurt, and Zeeshan Rafiq also headed this committee.

Chairperson CPWB & MPA Sarah Ahmad had moved the child protection policy through the home department two years ago. Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau and MPA Sarah Ahmad and Special Secretary Home Department Fazal-ur-Rehman briefed the committee on the policy.

CPWB Chairperson briefed the attendees on the details and significance of the policy, highlighting its comprehensive framework aimed at safeguarding children's rights and protecting them from abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect. Notably, Punjab is the first and only province in country to approve such a policy, filling a crucial gap in child protection legislation.

Sarah Ahmad expressed her gratitude for the support from the chief minister. This policy was prepared by CPWB with technical assistance from UNICEF Pakistan, addressing the long-standing absence of any formal child protection policy in the province, she added.