6.1 Who Is a Child in Conflict with the Law?

A child in conflict with the law is any person under 18 years of age who is:

• suspected of committing an offence,
• formally accused of an offence, or
• found guilty of an offence through lawful proceedings.

According to the State of Children in Pakistan report, 1,362 children (all male) in Sindh experienced detention in Youthful Offenders Institutions, Sindh (YOIS) during 2024, including 1,178 undertrial detainees and 184 convicted children.

Police Operational Rule

If there is any uncertainty about age, the person must be treated as a child until age is verified.

Marriage, employment, physical development or maturity do not change child status under law.