In a significant move towards safeguarding children's rights, Pakistan's federal government has implemented the long-awaited 'Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act, 2021' across the capital city and territories, effectively banning corporal punishment in both public and private schools.. The said act was passed in 2021; however, rules were notified a couple of months ago and they were finally launched on 25th April 2023. Under the rules, corporal punishment is banned not only in both public and private schools but religious seminaries and in other educational institutions as well. Under the act, teachers found guilty of inflicting violence upon students will face severe penalties, including compulsory retirement, dismissal from service, or demotion. Minor penalties, such as withholding promotions or financial advancements, will also be imposed based on the rules and regulations governing their profession.

The momentous launch event took place at the Islamabad Model College for Girls in F-10/2, where Minister of Federal Education Rana Tanveer Hussain commended the act as a significant step towards fostering a culture of non-violence and prioritizing children's rights. "Let us work together to implement these rules effectively and create an environment where every child feels safe and nurtured," he urged.

The United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative Abdullah A. Fadil stressed the urgency of outlawing corporal punishment in Pakistan. "Corporal punishment can inflict immediate pain and suffering, and sadly, it may also cause irrevocable damage that can last a lifetime," he stated. Fadil called for collective action and unwavering support for this act to ensure that all children in Pakistan can learn and thrive in a safe environment, protected by a society that respects and upholds their rights and dignity.

"The child has the right to be shown respect for his/her personality and individuality and shall not be made subject to corporal punishment or any other humiliating or degrading treatment," states the act, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from harm.

Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) invited school management, department representatives, district government community members, children clubs and other relevant members on international day to mark end to corporal punishment and urged them to contribute in ending corporal punishment from schools at Kandhkot in particular and all settings in general. Speaking on the occasion, SPARC project manager shared that corporal punishment disproportionately affects children facing disadvantage and difficulty. It results in school drop out that further increases vulnerability of children.

It was reiterated that physical and humiliating punishment in schools should be replaced with positive disciplining techniques, such as implementing child friendly atmosphere like Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports that create a safe and healthy school environments. Every student should feel safe and supported inside of school; and more importantly, schools should always be free from the threat of violence.

The existence of corporal punishment is unacceptable as The Sindh Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Bill, 2016 having been passed by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh on 31st January, 2017 and assented to by the Governor of Sindh on 15th March, 2017 and published as an Act of the Legislature of Sindh. Now it is called as Sindh Prohibition of Corporal Punishment Act 2016. Clause 3.1 of the Act clearly says that the child has the right to be shown respect for his personality and individuality and shall not be made subject to corporal punishment or any other humiliating or degrading treatment.

Our children urgently need their schools to raise the bar for supporting their mental health and wellbeing. Despite decades of research showing the short and long-term harms of corporal punishment, the practice continues to be practiced in schools.

SPARC with support of ACTED and various other partner organizations is intended to create conducive learning environment for children in selective flood effected schools of Jacobabad and kashmore.

The impact of the mini-budget on tobacco sector was discussed in detail. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has so far generated an additional amount of Rs11.3 billion under the head of the Federal Excise Duty (FED) from cigarettes after announcement of the mini-budget in February 2023. Decreased tobacco production was observed after increased taxes on tobacco.

SPARC in collaboration with K-Electric, Sparc initiated "Khel Khod aur Khayal" an interactive awareness campaign in which best practices of environmental safety is being imparted to promote self-action among children. Over 7000 children have participated in this campaign since April 2023.

SPARC provided entrepreneurial support to 5 women in setting up home beauty salons in Machar Colony Karachi. Computers were provided to 2 young women to help them set up computer training center for girls. This support will enable girls to become more financially independent and pave way for others to join education and vocational training.

CSC Rawalpindi mainstreamed 35 children in Government School for their formal education, 26 boys and 9 girls were admitted in Govt MC Girls& Boys primary School Meher Colony Pirwadhai Rawalpindi. The children were given school uniforms and stationary bags. After mainstreaming the children CSC team had a follow up to sort-out the issues related to their education.