NCRC summons Westminster school over parent’s complaint

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) has summoned representatives of Westminster International School, Islamabad, for a public hearing on September 14 following a concern raised by the parent of a minor student.

According to an official notice issued by the NCRC on September 10, 2026, the Commission has scheduled the hearing for Monday at 12:30pm at its office in the Evacuee Trust Complex, Sector F-5/1, Islamabad.

The notice, addressed to Westminster International School Principal Shagun Irfan, states that the Commission received a formal submission from the school concerning an issue raised by the parent of a minor student and decided to review the matter under the applicable child-rights framework.

The school has been directed to ensure that its representative or representatives attend the hearing and bring all relevant records concerning the matter. The concerned parent is being notified separately, according to the notice.

The proceedings have been initiated under Sections 15(e) and 15(k) of the National Commission on the Rights of Child Act, 2017, which provide the Commission with powers relating to inquiries into child-rights violations and the holding of public hearings.

The notice was signed by NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq.

The development comes amid growing calls for stronger child-safeguarding mechanisms in educational institutions and greater transparency in handling complaints involving minors. However, the NCRC hearing is currently an inquiry proceeding and does not, by itself, establish any wrongdoing by the school or any individual.

The official notice available for this report does not contain findings against the school or establish the nature or outcome of the complaint. No allegation has been treated as proven at this stage.

Social media posts have also circulated regarding the matter, including claims of a planned parents’ protest and demands for access to CCTV footage and a transparent investigation. However, these social media claims have not been independently verified by Minute Mirror and have therefore not been treated as established facts.

The case has renewed attention on the importance of preserving relevant evidence and ensuring that complaints involving minors are handled through proper legal and child-protection procedures. Any available CCTV or other relevant material should be preserved and examined by the competent authorities in accordance with applicable procedures.

The proceedings also come against the backdrop of the Punjab government’s stated policy of zero tolerance towards child abuse and the broader efforts of child-protection institutions to strengthen safeguards for minors.

The NCRC hearing scheduled for September 14 is expected to provide an opportunity for the Commission to examine the complaint, review the records submitted by the school and determine what further action, if any, may be required.

At this stage, the matter remains under inquiry. The principles of due process, evidence preservation and protection of the rights of the minor and all concerned parties will remain central to any further proceedings.

Minute Mirror will update the report following the NCRC hearing and any official findings released by the relevant authorities.