ispensation of justice requires plugging the gaps that may exist between enactment of laws capturing the essence of fairness and their implementation and enforcement through adequately resourced institutions tasked with the job. In Pakistan, in some cases, the gap has been actually widening. In other instances, promising new laws are rendered toothless by lack of either adequate resources or honest commitment. There is little comfort in the knowledge that the country now has laws intended to protect its children when the relevant mechanisms, rules, regulations, procedures and institutions tilt the balance in favour of those on the wrong side of the law.

Away from the media and proceedings in the courts, the recent incident involving the young Dua Zehra has stirred an intense debate on the role of the state and its institutions towards the children. While certain provisions in law promise protection to children, much of the debate has been steered in a way that assumes the agency of the child and not the dangers that the child may have been exposed to, which needs attention.

There is a need for a thorough investigation to ascertain the facts, as one of our contributors notes this week. A dispassionate understanding of the circumstances is essential to get to the heart of the issue. We also look at the legal aspects of the Dua case and the Dua cause.

We also discuss the many ways in which parents, guardians and the society at large can work to provide a safer environment to children where they can feel confident about voicing their views, concerns and thoughts. We also look at ways in which parents can ensure online safety for their children in today’s digital world, where online existence is not a choice but a necessity.