Does Guardianship Law in Pakistan Truly Reflect a Child-Centered Approach in the Modern Era?
Guardianship Law In Pakistan outlines how courts determine which individual is legally responsible for a child’s care, upbringing, and long-term decision-making. As society becomes more fast-paced, diverse, and digitally interconnected, the question arises: Does the existing guardianship framework genuinely reflect a child-centered philosophy suited for the modern era? Legal Framework: A Foundation Rooted in the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 Pakistan’s guardianship system is built on the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890 , a historic but still functional statute. While the Act provides essential legal guidance on appointing, monitoring, and regulating guardians, it was written in a different social context—long before globalization, digital life, and modern parenting norms. Despite its age, the Act remains effective because courts interpret its provisions with flexibility. Judges frequently adapt its principles to suit contemporary family dynamics, ensuring that the welfare of the chil...