Juvenile Delinquency in Pakistan

Introduction

The words juvenile and delinquency come from the Latin word “juvenis” and “delinquere”, which mean a
teenager and to abandon respectively. Objectively, it refers to the children or teenagers who have
abandoned the lawful living style due to their negative circumstances like parental neglect. Delinquents are
defined as juvenile offenders who violate the rules and law of any local state.

The act of committing a crime at a very young age is juvenile delinquency. A juvenile delinquent is a young
person who by committing a crime breaks a state or federal law, especially a teenager under the age of eighteen.

Delinquents interrupt and violate social norms, values, law and the political order. Juvenile Delinquency is a
universal problem. However, delinquent behavior varies from culture to culture. It is becoming a big
challenge for social reformers, social planners, and community workers to overcome this problem. The age
range of Juvenile delinquency varies from culture to culture. It is usually set until age 18, but in Pakistani
perspective the ranges of those children are 10 to 17.

Causes of Juvenile Delinquency

Researches have indicated several causes of juvenile delinquency. Antisocial behavior increased rapidly
during the 1960s and now the rate of delinquency is most frequently increased. The effect of the family
structure especially parental deprivation has been associated with a number of psychological problems in
children leading towards delinquency. The children showing risk factors such as behavioral manifestation and
reaction formation of adults, behavior problems and family dysfunction, and lack of school readiness and
aggression towards peers lead towards the antisocial behavior. The drugs are one of the most important
factor which leads the juveniles towards crime. World youth report (2003) suggested motivations for joining a
gang for the possibilities of economic and social gain as an important cause.

In Pakistan important contributing factors are sexual assault, illiteracy, money, land, old hostility, honor
killings, and drug addiction. Recent emerging militant forces worsen the condition. These institutions are
reported to be involved in imparting instruction relating to militancy and sectarianism, inducing hatred and
aggression in youth. As in many other developing countries, juvenile delinquency is a significant concern for
Pakistan. Pakistan’s socio-economic and socio-cultural situation has created much frustration in the citizens
especially in Pakistani youth. Ethnic, religious, and status biases; lack of opportunities along with
unemployment has caused much of this frustration. So, Pakistani youth seem quite prone towards indulging
in criminal activity.

There are many schools of thoughts as to the primary factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency. It is
undoubtedly the case, though, that children who are abandoned, abusive or disadvantaged are statistically
more likely to slip into a cycle of delinquency. It is remembered that delinquent conduct is not limited solely
to above-mentioned cases, adolescents with decent and loving parents, and acceptable living arrangements
that also fall under delinquent behavior.

Juvenile Delinquency and justice are a social problem for all nations, including the Pakistan. Skirmishes
typically occur due to disproportionate levels of social class deprivation which is a push or pull cause of
delinquency indulgence as children are strongly impacted by exposure to improper environments. The
sobering predictions on the prospects of youth violence illustrate the need for solid, urgent, well-planned and
decisive measures to intervene early in order to discourage younger children from adopting the self-
destructive path of many of their older brothers and sisters. Around the same time, it is important that we
respond adequately to the tiny number of young criminals who victimize the society repeatedly and account
for the vast majority of serious and violent crime acts.

Legal framework of Juvenile Delinquency

(a) International Laws and Convintions:
1. Convention 1990 about The Rights of the Child (CRC)
2. Children’s Rights Convention (CRC) 1989
3. Minimum Guidelines of the United Nations for the administration of youthful justice 1980
4. Article 77 of the Geneva Conventions Additional Protocol-I 1977
5. Geneva Declaration on the Rights of the Child 1924
6. UN Instructions for the Defense of Youngsters Disadvantaged of their Freedom 1989

(b) National Law of Pakistan:

1. Juvenile Justice System Ordinance (JJSO) 2000
2. Code 1860 of Pakistan Penal
3. Crime of assault (implementation of) Order 1979
4. Criminal Method 1898 Code
5. Offender ordinance 1983 of Punjab Youthful
6. Act 1926 of Punjab Borstal
7. Sindh Children Act 1955
8. Sindh Borstal School Act 1955
9. Punjab Monitoring and Management of Children Homes, Act 1976 (The Punjab Poor and
Abandoned Children Act, 2004)
10. The Reformatory Schools Act, 1897
11. Courts' power to order juvenile offenders to be sent to Reformatory Schools
12. Juvenile Smoking Ordinance, 1959
13. Probation of Offenders Ordinance 1960
14. Scope of the Ordinance of Probation of Offenders 1960
15. Service of Kids Act, 1991
16. The Children (Pledging of Labor) Act 1933 (applicable in all provinces)
17. The Juvenile Justice System Act, 2018 (JJSA)
Solutions for Juvenile Delinquency

Early Intervention Programs: One of the most effective approaches to reducing

juvenile delinquency is early intervention. Identifying at-risk youth and providing
them with appropriate support and resources can prevent them from engaging in
criminal behavior. Schools, social services, and community organizations can play a
vital role in this process.

Parenting Education: Providing parents with tools and resources to improve their
parenting skills can help prevent delinquent behavior in their children. Parenting
education programs can teach parents how to communicate with and discipline their
children effectively, fostering a more positive and supportive family environment.

Mentorship Programs: Positive role models can have a significant impact on young
people. Mentorship programs connect at-risk youth with responsible adults who can
provide guidance, support, and encouragement, helping them make better choices
in life.

Quality Education: Access to quality education is crucial for preventing delinquency.

Improving the overall quality of schools and ensuring that all children have access to
a proper education can reduce the risk of engaging in criminal activities.

Community-Based Programs: Communities can establish after-school programs,

sports clubs, and recreational activities that engage young people in positive,
constructive activities. These programs not only occupy their time but also offer a
sense of belonging and purpose.

Substance Abuse Prevention: Many delinquent acts are linked to substance abuse.
Prevention programs focused on educating youth about the dangers of drug and
alcohol use, as well as providing resources for those struggling with addiction, are
essential.

Restorative Justice Programs: Rather than focusing solely on punitive measures,

restorative justice programs aim to hold juvenile offenders accountable for their
actions and help them make amends to their victims. These programs can reduce
recidivism and promote empathy and responsibility.

Diversion Programs: Diversion programs aim to divert young offenders away from
the formal criminal justice system and into rehabilitation and support services. This
can prevent them from acquiring a criminal record, which can have long-term
negative consequences.

Mental Health Services: Many delinquent youth have underlying mental health
issues. Providing access to mental health services, counseling, and therapy can
address the root causes of their behavior and reduce the likelihood of reoffending.
Legal Reforms: Policymakers can consider reforms in juvenile justice systems to
focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. This includes age-appropriate
sentencing and detention, expungement of juvenile records, and raising the age of
criminal responsibility in some cases.

Community Policing: Building positive relationships between law enforcement and

the community can foster trust and cooperation. Officers who engage in community
policing efforts can help prevent delinquency and address problems before they
escalate.

Evaluation and Data-Driven Solutions: Continuously evaluating the effectiveness of

programs and interventions is crucial. Data-driven approaches can help identify what
works and what doesn't, allowing for the allocation of resources to the most
effective strategies.

In conclusion, addressing juvenile delinquency requires a comprehensive approach

that combines prevention, intervention, and rehabilitation strategies. These
solutions should focus on early identification, supportive family and community
environments, educational opportunities, and access to necessary services. By
addressing the underlying factors that lead to delinquent behavior and providing
youth with the tools they need to make better choices, society can work towards
reducing juvenile delinquency and helping young individuals become responsible,
law-abiding citizens.