March 25, 2024
By Bilal Baseer Abbasi
ISLAMABAD
A protest demonstration took place on March 24 at the National Press Club in Islamabad, demanding the safe return of Falak Noor, a 13-year-old girl reportedly abducted from Sultanabad in Gilgit.
The crowd had gathered to seek justice for a young girl who was abducted while on her way to a nearby community centre for religious education. “She has been missing for the past two months,” said Zeeshan Ahmed, representing Gilgit Baltistan Lawyers Forum.
He demanded a transparent investigation into the matter to prevent similar incidents in the future. “Recover the girl immediately and present her before the court,” he said.
Ahmed stressed on the need for a thorough investigation into the case, stating, “The girl’s precise age must be determined through proper medical and legal procedures. Both the nikkahkhawan and the registrar should be subject to scrutiny according to the law, with appropriate penalties enforced on any wrongdoing.”
The child rights activists involved in the protest raised concerns regarding the involvement of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission in the reported abduction and illicit marriage occurring in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Noor must be located and presented before the child protection court in Abbottabad. The Child Protection Unit in Abbottabad should collaborate with the police in conducting a thorough investigation into the matter,” said Arshad Mahmood, child rights activist.
The parents of Noor have joined in demanding accountability from the police officials involved in the case.
“There exists a series of laws, yet their enforcement is rarely seen.
What good are these laws if those entrusted to uphold them flout their responsibilities?” asked Khadija Bibi, rights activist.
The protestors are demanding an investigation into the nikkakhawan and the registrar. “The critical issue lies in the fate of the 13-year-old girl – should she give birth… She is an adolescent, faced with decisions far beyond her age. How will she navigate life’s complexities and set priorities,” said Rahmat Ali, social worker.
The protesters have said that they will use all resources to bring justice to Falak Noor’s family and will continue to raise their voices until his recovery.