THE law in Pakistan provides for a juvenile justice system (JJS) for the rehabilitation and protection of children as well as to safeguard their best interests. Unfortunately, in narcotics-related cases, the system is failing to apply a child rights approach. Children involved in narcotics-related cases often come from marginalised and poor communities and/ or are exploited by adults involved in the drug trade. Yet, punitive action is taken against them instead of protecting them.

In a recent case, the Sindh High Court granted post-arrest bail to a 14-year-old girl who had been in judicial custody for allegedly carrying 510 grams of narcotics. She was arrested in May 2025. The additional prosecutor general informed the court that according to the investigation conducted so far, there was a strong possibility of “parents using their minor daughter as a drug mule”. The SHC noted that the police did not interrogate the parents to determine their involvement.

According to Justice Project Pakistan’s (JPP) Narcotics Offences Factsheet 2025, the total prisoners held under narcotics offences is 21,891. Of these, 375 are female prisoners. About 165 children have been imprisoned for narcotics-related offences (85 in KP and 84 in Punjab).........

© Dawn