Legal Discourse of Abandoned Children in Pakistani Law Analysis

Abstract

In Pakistan, the legal status of abandoned and parentless children is insufficiently addressed, leading to significant violations of their rights. Despite a substantial child population, existing legal frameworks lack comprehensive protections for these vulnerable individuals. Islamic law offers clear guidelines for the rights of abandoned children, but specific legislation in Pakistan is absent. Relevant laws are scattered across various Acts, creating a fragmented approach that fails to safeguard these children's interests. This gap highlights the urgent need to integrate Islamic principles into Pakistani law to enhance their legal standing and rights. The research Paper is an analytical approach, focusing on the comparison between Islamic law and existing Pakistani laws regarding abandoned children. It involves a thorough examination of the relevant provisions within Islamic jurisprudence that address the rights of foundlings, particularly concerning birth registration and citizenship. By assessing how these principles can inform and enhance legal frameworks in Pakistan, the study aims to identify gaps and inconsistencies within current legislation. The findings of the research indicate that Islamic law provides a strong framework for protecting the identity and rights of abandoned children, emphasizing the importance of registration and citizenship.