Protecting Children: A Collective Responsibility
By Rakhshanda Saba
The reported case involving the alleged marriage of a minor girl with an elderly man in Kuchlak, on the outskirts of Quetta, has drawn attention to the need for strong institutional action to protect children and ensure effective enforcement of laws relating to child protection and underage marriage.
Taking notice of the incident, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Sarfraz Bugti has directed the relevant authorities to investigate the matter from all aspects and take action in accordance with the law. The directions reflect the government’s position that the protection of children cannot be compromised and that every reported violation must be dealt with through a transparent and lawful process.
Following the directives, the district administration and law-enforcement authorities have initiated steps to establish the facts of the case. The father of the minor girl was arrested from Chaman, while further coordination with the police is under way regarding the registration of a first information report and the transfer of the arrested suspect to the relevant authorities.
The authorities have also indicated that the matter may have links with the reported killing of a 15-year-old girl in Kuchlak. Since the investigation is continuing, the precise circumstances and any possible connection between the incidents will have to be established through evidence and due legal process.
Cases involving children require particular sensitivity because minors are among the most vulnerable members of society. Their protection demands not only the existence of laws but also effective implementation, institutional coordination and timely intervention whenever credible concerns arise.
The Chief Minister’s directives have placed emphasis on ensuring the protection of the minor and bringing those responsible, if established through investigation, within the ambit of the law. The relevant institutions have been directed to accelerate efforts for the arrest of the main suspect and any other persons who may be found involved.
Balochistan has legislation aimed at preventing underage marriage, providing a legal framework for protecting children from practices that can adversely affect their safety, dignity, education and future prospects. Effective implementation of such legislation remains essential for translating legal safeguards into practical protection.
The Kuchlak incident also highlights the importance of strengthening coordination among the administration, police and other relevant institutions. A prompt and properly conducted investigation can help establish facts, protect the rights of the child and ensure that legal proceedings are based on evidence rather than speculation.
The government’s response sends an important institutional message: no individual should be considered above the law when the rights and safety of a child are involved. At the same time, investigations must follow due process and respect the dignity and privacy of the minor concerned.
Protecting children is ultimately a shared responsibility. Families, communities and state institutions all have a role in preventing exploitation and ensuring that children grow up in safe and supportive environments.
The government’s continued focus on the enforcement of child-protection laws, coupled with effective administrative and law-enforcement action, can contribute to building stronger safeguards for vulnerable children across Balochistan.
The protection of a child is not merely a legal obligation. It is a fundamental responsibility of society and an essential measure of a government’s commitment to justice, dignity and the rule of law.