LAHORE: Following the recent rise in the number of sexual abuse cases especially of children across Pakistan, the Punjab government on Friday announced its decision of imparting sex education to the children in schools and seminaries across the province.
Announcing the government’s decision during a press conference, Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah said that the government has prepared a booklet in consultation with religious clerics to educate children. The booklet that has been compiled initially will be for younger children while another booklet for students of grade 8 and above will follow.
Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the draft of the booklet that was compiled after a committee constituted for the prevention of child abuse cases recommended it, added the minister.
“Providing awareness to children on sexual abuse is not a ridiculous idea and religious clerics are also in favour of raising awareness among children on this subject,” he said.
Compiled with the assistance and consultation of the Muttahida Ulema Board, the booklet contains Quranic verses along with other references and also provides guidance to the parents or guardians of the children.
The brochure aims to provide guidance to children of age 10 and above, Sanaullah said, adding that it teaches the children to avoid interaction with suspicious or unknown people.
Urging the parents to play their role in curbing sexual abuse in the society, he said that the parents should teach their children not to let anyone touch their private parts. He also said that children should be able to share their feelings when they feel fear or panic.
Commenting on the tragic incident of Zainab’s rape and murder, he said that it was a regretful incident that damaged Pakistan’s image globally. He also thanked the judiciary, the armed forces and media for their cooperation that helped in arresting the culprit.
He mentioned that the culprit had participated in the funeral prayer of Zainab and also was on the frontline in the protest against the minor’s killing, however, when he was called for a DNA test he went missing. “After he fled from the DNA test the security agencies followed him and he was finally grilled by them later,” he said.
Lashing out PTI Chairman Imran Khan, he said that a relative of a PTI leader in KP was involved in Asma Rani’s killing, but Imran does not have the courage to take an action against his party’s office bearer.
