The issue of child rights came to the forefront in Pakistan with the country’s ratification of the CRC. Pakistan deposited its instrument of ratification on 12 November 1990 and the Convention entered into force for the country exactly one month later. At the time of ratification, Pakistan made a general reservation according to which the provision of the CRC shall be interpreted in the light of principles of Islamic laws and values. The government at that time, however, recognized that practically no provision of the CRC came into direct conflict with any of the major precepts of Islam, barring the matter of adoption for which an appropriate provision had already been made in the CRC. The ratification of the CRC led to the setting up of an elaborate structure for its implementation and monitoring. The NCCWD, established in 1980, was assigned the task of coordinating with other federal and provincial ministries, departments and NGOs for implementing the Convention. It is supported by its provincial chapters (PCCWD) as well as by a number of other committees constituted especially for this purpose.

Despite this, it is hoped that this study report will at least help development and social activists in understanding the dynamics of this complex issue. The stress is on highlighting the trends involved, so that an effective programming could be introduced on Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC). SAP-PK wants to further research the issue in order to come up with a concrete strategy on how to best protect children’s rights and ensure their development as envisaged in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).