The recent abduction of Falak Noor, a 13-year-old girl from Sultanabad village in Gilgit-Baltistan, has sparked widespread outrage and calls for urgent action from various quarters of society.
Representatives of civil society, child rights organizations, human rights commissions, legal experts, journalists, and political parties gathered outside the National Press Club in Islamabad on Sunday to demand swift intervention to ensure the recovery and safety of the abducted child.
The situation escalated when a video surfaced from an undisclosed location in Mansehra, purportedly showing Falak claiming to have been married to a 17-year-old boy in a court in Haripur. This revelation has brought to light serious concerns regarding child marriage, a violation of both legal and ethical standards.
The protesters and speakers emphasized the urgent need for a thorough and transparent investigation to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Particular scrutiny has been placed on the role of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Rights Commission, given that the unlawful marriage took place within its jurisdiction.
The protesters and speakers raised questions regarding the commission’s response and its obligations in such cases.
Civil society organizations underscored the vulnerability of the child and stressed the importance of the swift recovery of the girl to protect her from further harm and exploitation.
The speakers emphatically demanded immediate recovery of the child and her presentation before a court of law. They stressed the importance of utilizing authentic medical and legal methods to accurately determine the child’s age.
Additionally, they called for thorough investigations into the conduct of the Nikah reader, registrar, and the doctor responsible for issuing the age certificate. Transparency was urged in investigating serious allegations against certain police officials, ensuring accountability.
Describing the situation as a grave instance of child abduction, internal trafficking, forced early marriage, and child sexual abuse, speakers highlighted the urgent need for action, and raised their voiced over the apparent ineffectiveness of Gilgit-Baltistan police in recovering the abducted child, despite the passage of 54 days since the incident was reported.
They said that the victim’s father has lamented the delays in registering the FIR and has leveled serious allegations against certain police officials.
While a FIR was lodged on January 20, 2024, at Danyore Police Station in Gilgit, the lack of tangible progress in the case has fueled frustration and discontent among the protesters.
The protesters also issued a stark warning, expressing that if the relevant departments fail to intervene and address the situation promptly, it could escalate into widespread unrest among the masses. They underscored their unwavering commitment to persist in their struggle until justice is unequivocally delivered to the victim’s family.
