NCRC credibility requires merit-based appointments
PAKISTAN took nearly three decades to establish an independent National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC), to fulfill its obligations under the General Comment No. 2 (2002) of United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Committee and the Paris Principles. These international frameworks set the standards for national child rights institutions to operate independently, transparently and free from undue influence for effective promotion, protection and monitoring of children rights. A key element of institutional credibility is the appointment of its leadership through open, transparent, lawful, merit-based and participatory processes.
Under section 6 of the NCRC Act 2017, the Chairperson and Members serve for a term of three years, extendable for a further term of three years. After completion of the term of the Commission, new Commission will be appointed by following the appointment method as mentioned in Rule 4(3) of NCRC Recruitment Rules 2022 which states; “Initial appointment to a post shall be made after the vacancy is duly advertised through electronic and print media, additional daily newspaper including its uploading on official website of the Commission duly observing quotas as prescribed by the Federal Govt.” While the Act permits a second term, any extension or reappointment in Commission must be consistent with the letter and spirit of the Recruitment Rules and Paris Principles, which strongly emphasize open competition process. Any departure from such process undermines the legality of the appointment process.
The first and second Commissions served from February 2020 to February 2023 and April 2023 to April 2026, respectively. As the second Commission’s tenure ends, reports of extensions and selective reappointments have emerged. The second-term Chairperson has reportedly been granted another three-year term, while a summary seeking extensions for only two Members (KP and Sindh/Minorities) has been sent to the Prime Minister’s Office for approval. These developments have raised concerns among child rights practitioners, civil society organizations, legal experts and human rights defenders. The concern is not about individuals but about ensuring that appointments to an independent national institution follow due legal process, including the public advertisement of vacancies as was done during the first Commission’s appointment.
Why Transparent Appointments Matter: Independent institutions derive their legitimacy not only from legislation but also from public trust. Transparent recruitment processes ensure that appointments are made on merit and competence rather than personal, political or institutional preferences. Open competition allows the best-qualified candidates to emerge while strengthening confidence among citizens, development partners and international human rights mechanisms.
The Paris Principles emphasize pluralism in membership, independence and transparent appointment procedures at such a national level institution. Any departure from these standards risks weakening institutional credibility and undermining Pakistan’s commitment to promoting and protecting children’s rights. NCRC serves as the country’s premier statutory body responsible for fulfilment of child rights. The institution’s effectiveness, therefore, depends significantly on the independence, competence and legitimacy of its leadership.
Key concerns: Civil society organizations have expressed concerns regarding: • Ignoring the selection-criteria for all leadership positions as mentioned in Rule 4 of NCRC Recruitment Rules 2022. • Limited opportunities for qualified candidates from across Pakistan to compete fairly for the appointment process. • Potential reappointments or extensions of Chairperson and two Members without transparent justification. • Risks to institutional independence if appointment processes are ambiguous. • Lack of meaningful consultation with child rights stakeholders. These concerns are rooted in principles of good governance rather than individual personalities.
Recommendations: Pakistan’s civil society respectfully submits the following recommendations and demands to the Government of Pakistan for its kind consideration.
Suspension of Extensions/Reappointments and Public Advertisement of Vacancies Extension/reappointment process must be immediately suspended until Chairperson/Member vacancies are publicly advertised throughout Pakistan with clear eligibility criteria, timelines and selection procedures. This will ensure transparency, competitiveness and equal opportunity including fulfillment of due processunder NCRC Act/Rules and international standards.
Merit over Automatic Reappointment: Reappointments/extensions should not be automatic. Any decision to reappoint an existing office-holder should be subject to the same transparent process and evaluation as for new candidates. Selection Based on Expertise and Experience: Priority should be given to individuals possessing demonstrated expertise as a seasoned child rights practitioner.
Parliamentary Oversight and Public Disclosure: Relevant parliamentary committees should play a meaningful oversight role in the appointment process. Meanwhile, the Government should publicly disclose the selection criteria, shortlisted and reasons for final appointments.This will enhance transparency, accountability and democratic legitimacy.
Multi-Stakeholder Consultation: Prominent civil society personnel including children/youth representatives should be consulted during the appointment process through appropriate and safe mechanisms.
Conflict of Interest Safeguards: Candidates having direct political affiliations or conflict of interests should not be employedfor the leadership position of such national institution.
Full-Time Commitment: Chairpersons and Members should avoid holding multiple portfolios, positions and assignments that may compromise their independence, efficiency or commitment to the Commission’s work.
Appraisal of Dual Nationality Holder: Dual-nationality holder personnel should be carefully reviewed for the leadership position in the Commission in the context of national representation and public confidence.
Conclusion: Pakistan’s children deserve an independent, credible and effective national institution capable of safeguarding their rights without fear or favour. The appointment of the third leadership of NCRC presents an important opportunity for Government to reinforce public confidence in the institution and demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to democratic governance, rule of law, transparency and child rights.
Civil society respectfully calls upon the Government of Pakistan, Parliament and all relevant authorities to ensure that the appointments of NCRC’s third Chairperson and Members are conducted through an open, transparent, participatory and merit-based process. Such an approach will strengthen the institution, uphold Pakistan’s international commitments and ultimately serve the best interests of the country’s children.
—The writer is Child Rights Practitioner, Lawyer & Former Program Policy Advisor at National Commission on the Rights of Child, GoP, Islamabad.
