In a touching and unusual act, a 7-year-old boy from Hyderabad took a bold step by visiting a local police station to lodge a formal complaint after being repeatedly stopped from playing in the street.
The child, Ayaz Siddiqui, lives in the Choori Para area and independently went to the Sakhi Peer police station to report two women from his neighborhood. According to police officials, Ayaz claimed that the women—identified as Rania and Muni—frequently chased him and other children away whenever they tried to play outside.
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Despite his age, Ayaz’s confident move to defend his and other children’s right to play has drawn widespread admiration and sparked discussion online.
Police officials noted the seriousness with which Ayaz presented his concern and confirmed that his complaint had been registered. They assured the boy that the matter would be addressed through a peaceful resolution within the community.
This incident sheds light on a deeper and ongoing issue in urban areas across Pakistan: the lack of proper recreational spaces for children. With no playgrounds, parks, or sports facilities in many neighborhoods, children are often left with no choice but to use streets and alleys for play—spaces that are neither safe nor suitable.
Cities like Hyderabad, Karachi, and Lahore, which are heavily congested, suffer from unplanned development and shrinking public spaces. The shortage of dedicated play areas not only causes friction among residents but also has harmful effects on children’s growth and mental well-being.
Health and education experts stress the importance of outdoor play for children, noting that regular physical activity is crucial for their development. Through games, children build important life skills such as teamwork, discipline, and confidence—all essential for their emotional and social growth.
Ayaz’s brave act has not only brought attention to a neighborhood dispute but also highlighted the urgent need for cities to prioritize child-friendly spaces in urban planning.
