The Concept of Sex Offender Registry in Pakistan with Interpretive Lens of Child Protection Experts

Abstract

Background: This paper attempted to explores the concept of sex offender registration (SOR) in Pakistan. The study reviews the international literature and analyze the implemented framework to draw a comparative analysis. The introduction of sex offender registration is a recent development in Pakistan. The government considered sex offender registry as a coping strategy for child sexual perpetrators.
 
Objectives: The study aims to explore the perspectives of child protection experts regarding the practical application of sex offender registry in Pakistan.
 
Methods: A qualitative descriptive methodology was applied via in-depth interviews with semi structured interview guide was adopted. The study population were child protection experts who had demonstrated years of experience in policy, planning and administration of child protection. Through Purposive sampling, five child protection experts were interviewed. Each participant in the study underwent a 50-60 minutes’ interview in the local language during which valuable insight were gathered. Collected data were analysed thematically.
 
Results: The study expert posited that the implementation of a sex offender registry system in Pakistan would be suitable and an appropriate set of criteria must be established to classify offenders within this framework. However, they emphasized that such a system must be developed with careful consideration of the country's unique cultural, societal and religious context. The major obstacles to the implementation of sex offender registry includes international covenant legal bindings, financial costs, record maintenance, training and human resource capacity are practical issues.
 
Conclusion: The findings reveal that experts favoring sex offender registry system with a proper record and relevant department and personal capacity building. The study suggests that perpetrators access to travelling, earning opportunities and confidentiality should be followed to maintain basic human rights. 
 
 
 

Keywords; Sex Offender Register, Recidivism, Child Protection Experts, Center for Sex Offender Management, Child Protection Welfare Act 2010