Rawalakot: Decision to provide full state protection to 14-year-old victim girl in Shabu scandal

After serious concerns were raised by senior journalists, young lawyers and social and human rights groups in the case of a 14-year-old victim girl under protection under the Shabu scandal in Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir, Poonch district, Rawalakot tehsil, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Syed Mumtaz Kazmi took immediate notice and issued instructions to the Social Welfare Department that the victim girl should not be handed over to any individual or influential element and that she should be provided with complete state, legal and psychological protection. According to sources, during a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner, a delegation of journalists informed him of the alleged pressure, interference of influential elements, and serious concerns regarding the safety and security of the girl, after which the district administration assured to take immediate and effective action. The minor girl is currently in the custody of the Child Protection Unit, however, there are reports that her real maternal uncle is trying to get her out of custody and is allegedly part of a criminal gang, who is accused of involving his close female relatives in illegal and immoral activities. These circumstances have made the girl's safety, peace of mind and future extremely delicate and complicated. It is being clarified that no application was filed by the maternal uncle in the matter, rather some circles created confusion by spreading false information. According to the latest reports, the real attempt is being made by the real maternal uncle, over which social and human rights circles have expressed serious concern. According to the background, the mother of the victim girl has been nominated in several cases in the past and an arrest was also made in one case recently. It is alleged that the girl was allegedly involved in illegal and immoral activities, while the father is saying that he does not recognize the girl. All these circumstances have made the situation very sensitive and complicated regarding the legal protection, security, education, psychological support and future of the minor. According to sources, the victim girl has also appealed to the higher authorities for immediate protection and some officers of the Social Welfare Office are under pressure, however, no official statement has been made in this regard. After the instructions of the Deputy Commissioner, it is expected that all kinds of protective measures will be taken while keeping the girl in state custody to ensure her safety, mental peace, education, housing and physical security. Public, social and welfare circles have demanded that a transparent, impartial and legal investigation be conducted into the matter and if the intervention of any individual or group is proven, strict legal action should be taken against them so that the future and human rights of the victim girl can be ensured. Along with this, the Chairman of the Welfare Organization Court, Chaudhry Akhtar Hussain, has also been appealed to provide shelter to the affected girl in his institution so that she can get all the opportunities for education, psychological support, residential security and human development in a safe environment. Moreover, local social workers and human rights activists are also playing an active role in the protection of the girl and they have demanded that immediate monitoring, joint teams of police and social welfare authorities be formed at the local level so that any illegal or harmful interference can be thwarted in a timely manner. Overall, this decision is being described as a very important milestone in the promotion of respect for human rights, legal protection of minors, state responsibility, social awareness and child welfare in the area and social circles, journalists and legal experts have called it not only welcome but also a guiding step for the future, so that in the future there is no lack of protection and enforcement of the law for any minor or vulnerable person and every girl has the right to education, development and living in accordance with human rights in a safe environment. special report by journalist malik sarfraz hussain awan