Child protection cases often require coordination between several government institutions. Different agencies are responsible for prevention, investigation, protection services, rehabilitation and oversight. Police officers frequently work with these institutions when responding to cases involving children.
For practical purposes, these institutions can be understood according to the type of issue or situation affecting the child. This approach helps police officers identify the appropriate agency for coordination and referral.
Children at Risk or in Need of Protection
Children may face situations of abuse, neglect, abandonment, exploitation or unsafe living conditions that require protection and support services.
Key institution:
Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA)
SCPA is the main provincial institution responsible for responding to cases involving children in need of protection. It operates Child Protection Units across the province and manages a child protection helpline (1121). The Authority provides case management, referral services, family reunification support and coordination with other government departments and service providers.
Police officers may coordinate with SCPA when a child requires protection, temporary care, family tracing or referral to specialised support services.
Child Sexual Abuse and Violence Against Children
Cases involving sexual abuse, rape or other forms of violence against children require criminal investigation and victim protection.
Key institutions:
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Sindh Police
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Health Department
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Criminal Prosecution Department
Police are responsible for registering the case, conducting investigations and collecting evidence in accordance with the law. Medical examination and treatment are provided through designated health facilities. Prosecutors support the preparation and presentation of cases before the courts.
Police may also coordinate with SCPA and social welfare institutions for protection and support of the child victim.
Online Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
Children may be exposed to risks through digital platforms, including cyberbullying, online grooming and sexual exploitation.
Key institutions:
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National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA)
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Sindh Police
The NCCIA investigates offences involving electronic systems under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act. Police may coordinate with NCCIA where cases involve online exploitation, digital evidence or cybercrime affecting children.
Missing and Abducted Children
Cases of missing or abducted children require prompt reporting, investigation and coordination.
Key institutions:
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Sindh Police
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Zainab Alert, Response and Recovery Agency (ZARRA)
Police are responsible for registering the complaint and initiating investigation and search procedures. ZARRA supports the national system for reporting, tracking and coordinating responses to missing child cases.
Child Trafficking and Smuggling of Children
Children may be trafficked for purposes such as forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude or other forms of exploitation.
Key institutions:
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Sindh Police
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Federal Investigation Agency (FIA)
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SCPA
Police are responsible for investigating cases of internal trafficking occurring within the province. The FIA investigates cases involving cross-border trafficking and smuggling of persons. Children identified as victims of trafficking may require referral to SCPA or other protection services for care and rehabilitation.
Coordination between law enforcement agencies and protection services is important to ensure both criminal investigation and victim support.
Child Labour and Hazardous Work
Children may be found working in conditions that violate labour laws, including hazardous occupations.
Key institutions:
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Labour and Human Resource Department
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Sindh Police
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SCPA
Labour authorities are responsible for inspecting workplaces and enforcing labour laws. Police may assist in enforcement where criminal offences or exploitation are involved. Children removed from hazardous work may be referred to SCPA or other protection services.
Children in Conflict with the Law
Children alleged or accused of committing offences must be treated in accordance with the Juvenile Justice System Act.
Key institutions:
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Sindh Police
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Juvenile Courts
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Probation and Social Welfare Services
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Sindh Prisons and Corrections Service
Police must follow child-specific procedures during arrest, investigation and detention. Juvenile courts handle legal proceedings, while probation services and rehabilitation institutions support reintegration.
Birth Registration and Legal Identity
Birth registration establishes a child’s legal identity and access to public services.
Key institutions:
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Local Government Department
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National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA)
Local government authorities are responsible for registration of births and issuance of birth certificates, while NADRA maintains national identity records.
Health and Mental Health Services
Children affected by abuse, violence or trauma may require medical or psychological support.
Key institutions:
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Health Department
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Sindh Mental Health Authority
Health facilities provide treatment, medical examination and referral services. Mental health services support counselling and psychological care for children who experience trauma or distress.
Education and Reintegration
Children removed from labour, exploitation or harmful situations may require support to return to education or training.
Key institutions:
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Education and Literacy Department
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Sindh Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (STEVTA)
These institutions provide formal education and vocational training opportunities to support the reintegration and development of children and adolescents.
Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms
In addition to operational institutions, several bodies monitor the implementation of human rights and children’s rights. These institutions review laws, examine complaints and provide recommendations to government authorities.
Police officers may interact with these institutions during inquiries, reporting processes or reviews related to child protection cases.
Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC)
The Sindh Human Rights Commission is an independent statutory body established under the Sindh Protection of Human Rights Act. Its mandate is to promote and protect human rights in the province.
The Commission may inquire into allegations of human rights violations, including cases involving children. It may review laws and policies, monitor detention facilities and make recommendations to relevant authorities.
National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC)
The National Commission on the Rights of Child is a statutory body established under the National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017. Its mandate is to monitor the implementation of children’s rights in Pakistan.
The Commission reviews laws, policies and administrative practices affecting children. It may examine complaints regarding violations of children’s rights, conduct research and provide recommendations to government institutions.
Ombudsman (Mohtasib)
The Ombudsman provides an independent mechanism for addressing complaints related to maladministration by public authorities.
Individuals may submit complaints where government institutions or officials fail to perform their duties or act unfairly. The Ombudsman may investigate complaints, request explanations from government departments and issue recommendations to address administrative failures.