Lahore High Court (LHC) Justice Tariq Saleem Sheikh issued a pivotal ruling regarding Darul Aman and child protection bureaus, directing the removal of all male employees from these institutions across Punjab.
In his 36-page verdict, Justice Sheikh ordered that all Darul Aman shelters must have an exclusively female workforce. He further mandated the deployment of a female police force for security to ensure the safety of residents. The decision came in response to a petition filed by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and other concerned parties.
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The court also ordered the installation of CCTV cameras at all entrances and within the premises of Darul Aman shelters to enhance monitoring and security. Additionally, the Punjab government was instructed to create a comprehensive database and software to track the operations of shelter homes effectively.
The Punjab government has been given six months to develop rules under the Women Protection Act 2016 to regulate shelter homes and child protection institutions. Vocational training programs will be introduced to support the economic rehabilitation of women residing in Darul Aman.
Justice Sheikh emphasized the importance of regular inspections, directing district and sessions judges to visit Darul Aman facilities at least once every two months. He also ordered the formation of women’s protection committees in every district, as mandated by the Women Protection Act 2016. Currently, only one such committee exists in Multan, and it operates without standard operating procedures (SOPs). The Punjab Women Protection Authority has been tasked with developing and implementing these SOPs across all districts.
The ruling further directed the Punjab government to draft rules for managing child protection institutions within the next six months. The judgment aims to streamline the operation of these institutions, ensure legal compliance, and improve conditions for those residing in Darul Aman and child protection shelters across Punjab.
