Module 5.5

5.5 Missing Children

5.5.1 Nature of the Issue

A missing child is any person under 18 years whose whereabouts are unknown and whose safety or welfare may be at risk, regardless of why they went missing. Children may go missing for a range of reasons, including getting lost or separated from family, running away due to abuse or neglect, family or custody disputes, kidnapping or abduction, trafficking or sexual exploitation, and online grooming or luring.

Every missing child case is an urgent protection case.

5.5.2 Applicable Legal Framework 

Police must apply relevant provisions of the following laws and mechanisms:

Police Note — Order of Legal Application

️⃣Treat every missing child as a high-risk protection case
️⃣Register FIR immediately (no waiting period)
️⃣Apply relevant PPC sections (kidnapping, abduction, trafficking, sexual offences, etc.)
️⃣Activate Zainab Alert procedures through the prescribed mechanism where abduction / serious risk is suspected
️⃣Notify and refer to Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) for protection follow-up

5.5.3 Immediate Police Response — FIRST 24 HOURS SOP

Police must:

• Register FIR immediately and record full child details.
• Update police records / systems without delay.
• Alert control room and seniors; activate Zainab Alert if risk suspected.
• Use Madadgar-15 and circulate alerts to nearby stations.
• Start immediate search and CCTV/digital checks.
• Assess risk (age, vulnerability, abduction/trafficking signs).
• Treat family respectfully and keep them informed.

5.5.4 When the Child is Recovered

Police must:

• Immediately ensure the child’s safety and medical needs.
• Notify parents/guardians without delay.
• If family is not available or the home may be unsafe, inform and refer the case to the CPA for assessment.
• Assess the situation carefully. Record where and how the child was found, and if the child ran away due to abuse, neglect or fear, do NOT return the child home without protection measures.
• Where appropriate, arrange safe temporary placement
• Avoid keeping the child in lock-up or adult custodial areas
• Complete investigation and prosecute offenders

Never Do

✘ Tell the family to wait 24–72 hours “in case the child comes back”
✘ Refuse or delay the FIR
✘ Treat the case as “routine” because the child has run away before
✘ Return the child to guardians where there is clear risk of abuse without safeguards or referral

5.5.5 Coordination & Referral