16 children shifted to protection centre after Multan incident

LAHORE: Punjab’s Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) has taken 16 minor children into protective custody from an orphanage in Multan and transferred them to its local centre to ensure their safety and well-being.

The action was taken on Wednesday following a recent incident in the city. According to the bureau, Chairperson Sarah Ahmed directed a team to visit the facility and move the children to a safer environment where their care and protection could be ensured.

The orphanage’s application for registration with the bureau had also been rejected. However, the facility was registered with the Punjab Charity Commission, prompting the bureau to approach the commission for a review of its registration and appropriate action under the law.

The bureau has also written to the relevant authorities, seeking police action against the orphanage. The requests were made to ensure that the matter was investigated and handled in accordance with legal requirements.

Officials said the bureau would continue coordinating with the relevant institutions to strengthen oversight of childcare facilities and ensure compliance with prescribed standard operating procedures. It has also issued a list of registered shelter homes to help improve transparency and awareness about authorised facilities.

Sarah Ahmed reiterated that the protection of children and women remained a priority for the provincial institution. She said the bureau maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and abuse and would not compromise on the safety and welfare of vulnerable individuals.

The transfer of the children comes amid renewed attention to the monitoring of residential care facilities and the need to ensure that children living in such institutions receive appropriate protection, supervision and support.