‘Protection of children govt’s top priority’

Social Welfare Department secretary says it is ‘our responsibility’ to secure their future

QUETTA: Social Welfare Department Special Education and Human Rights Secretary Sikandar Shah has said protection of children’s basic rights is the utmost priority of the government.

“For the safety of children an effective law has been made, which is being implemented,” said the secretary while addressing a one-day training programme regarding ‘The Balochistan Child Protection Act 2016’ on Tuesday.



The training programme, organised by the Social Welfare Department, was attended by social welfare workers of all tehsils of the province. Social Welfare Special Education and Human Rights Director General Musarrat Jabeen and Assistant Director Bashir Ahmed Rind were also in attendance.

Addressing the occasion, Sikandar said, “Children are innocent. They do not know what is good or bad for them. In today’s world, it is necessary for them to have a roof over their heads. On whichever path you let the innocent children walk, they will grow up walking on that same path. Now it is our responsibility to put these children on a solid path and secure their future.”



He said The Balochistan Child Protection Act 2016 was a part of that process, which was implemented after the approval of the Balochistan governor in November 2016.

“Approval of the child protection bill is a major success but in that success we will gain momentum only when we jointly implement the act in our respective districts,” he said. “Our success can only be gauged when each and every child of society feels secure.”



Taking over the podium, DG Jabeen said, “The deliverance of the protection bill by the government against all types of mental and physical violence meted out to the children is a major feat.

“A friendly approach by parents towards their children can save the child from violence and neglect. Children can protect themselves if they are provided with proper guidance and awareness. This is the aim of the bill that the children are provided protection in this society. It is the duty of every person in this society to ensure protection of children.”