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ISLAMABAD, Nov 07 (APP):The Senate was informed on Friday that the Child Protection Institute (CPI), working under the Ministry of Human Rights in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), has provided shelter to 512 vulnerable children, including 290 children involved in child labour, since its establishment in 2021.
In a written reply, the House was told that, the CPI serves as the main government-managed institution providing care and protection to children in need under the ICT Child Protection Act, 2018. At present, 18 children — including 16 girls and two boys — are residing in the CPI, while nine cases related to child labour are under process.
The CPI offers safe and secure accommodation for children rescued through court orders, law enforcement agencies, or the child helpline. Its services include safe shelter and nutritious meals, medical care and psychosocial counseling, education and vocational training, rehabilitation and reintegration, legal assistance, and data management.
It was stated that all allocated funds have been fully utilized for the essential needs of children, including food, clothing, shoes, books, and play materials. No cash assistance has been provided, as all support is given strictly in-kind to ensure transparency.
The house was informed that the cases of child labour, especially domestic work, remain common in Islamabad, but CPI can only act on cases formally reported through legal channels.
It was further informed that Islamabad currently lacks a dedicated institute for children affected by narcotics or drug-related issues, which poses a challenge to their rehabilitation. The CPI has requested a list from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) of registered caregivers and found that most organizations focus on orphans, not on children involved in drug abuse.