GIHA has stated that there is urgent need for a Family Court to deal with cases involving children, especially those who were abused.

“As matters stand, these children who have already undergone much pain and suffering are not dealt with sensitively, nor within proper institutional frameworks and therefore are subjected to even more trauma because of the lack of trained personnel, a caring environment, and procedures that are sensitive to their age and emotional condition,” GIHA said in a press release.

GIHA also calls for an urgent review of legislation that has been

enacted to protect children.

Referring to the current controversy involving businessman Reeaz Khan and a 13-year-old girl, GIHA noted that this case has brought to light various inadequacies in the law.

“…These laws have to be coherent, consistent, and updated to reflect contemporary mores of acceptable behaviour if they are to be effective,” GIHA said.

“GIHA continues to support Ms. Bibi Shameeza Hamid and her child and hopes that the current national debate on this issue will raise the level of awareness of what is acceptable behaviour in our society and that besides the legal issues, there will be less willingness to accept immoral and indecent behaviour.”