Curse of corporal punishment
GIVEN that the government attaches little importance to issues concerning the welfare of children, it would be too much to expect it to heed the UN’s advice to eliminate corporal punishment in the country or strike out legislation that allows it. As pointed out in a report in this paper, although Pakistan has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child, its statute books still condone this form of violence against children. Consider Section 89 of the Pakistan Penal Code that implies that physical punishment, if carried out in ‘good faith’ and for the ‘benefit’ of the child, is not an offence. Society has moved on since the time when the PPC was given shape on the lines of Victorian values. While hitting a child may get him or her to submit to direction, experience has shown, worldwide, that those who are routinely subjected to physical punishment in their early years perpetuate this form of violence by striking their own children. Many grow up as depressives, lacking in confidence and displaying antisocial behaviour.
In Pakistan, physical punishment is seen not only in homes but also in schools and at workplaces where many children are employed. Indeed, madressahs are especially infamous for beating pupils and inflicting serious injuries on their young and vulnerable bodies. There are cases where children have lost the use of a limb or been beaten to the point of unconsciousness. But while such cases are highlighted in the press from time to time, there has never been a general outcry, indicating that it is accepted by a society that is unwilling to let go of archaic notions. As long as the government shies away from trying to change this mindset by banning corporal punishment or punishing those who inflict it, future generations of adults will continue to exhibit dysfunctional tendencies.
Source: Dawn
Date:11/21/2007
” 
” 
” 
” 
” 
