Child Abuse & Underage Labour Are Grave Crimes, Allama Arif Wahidi

Shiite News: Islamic Relief Pakistan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Religious Affairs and UNICEF, organized an interfaith dialogue on child rights and child protection.
The special guest of the event was Secretary of Religious Affairs, Dr. Syed Atta-ur-Rehman Shah, while religious leaders from multiple faiths attended, including Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi.
In the opening remarks, Islamic Relief representatives said that the aim of this dialogue is to establish a joint narrative on child protection in light of religious teachings, raise awareness, and unite voices against injustices faced by children.
During the panel discussion, prominent religious figures — Allama Arif Hussain Wahidi, Dr. Mufti Raghib Naeemi, Dr. Seema Farzad, Sardar Homie Singh, Christopher Sharaf, and Pandit Rakesh Chand Rajput — shared detailed perspectives on the rights and protection of children.
Allama Arif Wahidi, member of the National Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority and Central Vice President of Shia Ulema Council, emphasized that Islamic teachings strongly stress protection, education, and dignity of children.
He condemned child labour, domestic servitude, abuse at workplaces, and physical or sexual violence, declaring them grave crimes against Islam.
He said children are the future of the nation and their protection is the responsibility of the state and society, particularly the clergy, who must raise awareness through the pulpit.
In conclusion, Allama Wahidi appreciated Islamic Relief’s efforts and vowed continued cooperation.