Westminster School case: NCRC holds separate hearings for parents, administration

ISLAMABAD: The National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) has completed an in-camera briefing regarding the alleged harassment of a girl at Westminster School in Islamabad.

The girl’s parents met NCRC Chairperson Ayesha Raza Farooq and shared details of the incident. Given the sensitive nature of the case, the commission heard the parents and school administration separately.

Westminster School CEO Raheel Sajjad said incidents involving children would not be tolerated and stressed the need for a transparent investigation.

Ayesha Raza Farooq said the NCRC had received a complaint against the school and had heard the positions of both sides. She said the commission would complete its inquiry and submit its findings to the relevant authorities.

The NCRC chairperson clarified that imposing punishment did not fall within the commission’s mandate, adding that recommendations would be forwarded to the appropriate institutions.

She said the commission was also reviewing child protection mechanisms and relevant laws while engaging with schools across Islamabad.

According to Farooq, the school administration presented CCTV footage and other documents before the commission. She said the relevant authorities would take further action in accordance with the law.

She expressed concern over the growing number of incidents involving children and stressed that the girl’s parents’ concerns must be addressed promptly. Further investigation into the matter wil