At just 10 years old, Ali Hassan found himself in a situation no child should ever face—caught in a legal crisis far beyond his years. Arrested alongside his mother by the Anti-Narcotics Police in Islamabad, Ali was thrust into the harsh realities of the justice system, where the needs of children can sometimes be overlooked.
When Ali was presented before the Islamabad High Court, the Honourable Family Court Judge immediately recognised the inappropriateness of keeping a minor in police custody, especially in a narcotics case. The court, acting in the best interest of the child, ordered that Ali be placed in the protective care of the Child Protection Institute (CPI).
Once admitted to CPI, Ali was no longer treated as a legal case number but as a child in need of empathy, structure, and support. A dedicated team of child protection officers conducted an immediate assessment to understand his emotional and physical condition. What followed was a coordinated response rooted in compassion and professionalism.
Ali was provided with a complete range of services: psychosocial counselling, medical attention, legal aid, and educational engagement. Each day at CPI was structured to help him feel safe, understood, and connected. Through regular interaction and close supervision, Child Protection Officers worked not only to meet his needs but also to rebuild a sense of normalcy in his young life.
In the weeks that followed, Ali’s family reached out to the court, seeking reunification. After reviewing the case and ensuring all protective and legal measures were followed, the court approved his release. In strict compliance with CPI’s standard operating procedures and child protection laws, Ali was safely handed over to his family.
Today, Ali Hassan is back home—sheltered, supported, and safeguarded by a system that worked when it mattered most.
His case stands as a strong example of what effective inter-agency coordination and child-centred decision-making can achieve. It reflects CPI’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of children—even in the most sensitive legal circumstances—and ensuring that every child, no matter how complex the case, is treated with care, dignity, and justice.
