CM condemns killing of children in Gaza

Justice (retd) Baqar leads a walk to commemorate World Children's Day

KARACHI:

Sindh's Caretaker Chief Minister Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar has strongly condemned the ongoing killing of innocent Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip, calling for a global condemnation of the Israel atrocities.

Justice Baqar expressed his concerns while addressing the media after leading a walk organised by the Sindh Child Protection Authority (SCPA) of the Social Welfare Department at Sea View to mark World Children's Day. The event, attended by Minister of Health Dr Saad Niaz, Social Welfare Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro, as well as secretaries and senior officers from various departments, aimed to raise awareness about children's rights and needs.

The caretaker CM underlined the significance of children's rights, their promising future, and the government's commitment to child protection. "As we observe World Children's Day globally, it is disheartening to witness the killing of innocent children in Palestine by Israel. We must strongly condemn such acts and keep these children in our thoughts and prayers for their protection and care," he said.

World Children's Day, observed annually worldwide, is dedicated to promoting and advocating for the rights and well-being of children. CM Baqar applauded the Social Welfare Department's efforts, including the reunification of 2,275 missing children with their families, prevention of around 200 child marriages, and the rescue of 235 kidnapped children with police assistance.

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The interim CM highlighted the department's diligence in addressing 883 cases of child abuse and violence, providing essential support and care to affected children, and rescuing 1,472 children from child beggary, ensuring them the chance to lead lives full of promise and opportunities.

CM Baqar said that World Children's Day serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to protect and nurture the future leaders of our nation. He commended the Sindh Child Protection Authority for its commitment to implementing policies prioritising the well-being and rights of every child in Sindh.

The caretaker CM praised the Social Welfare Department for achieving remarkable milestones, managing 5,497 cases, establishing an efficient 24/7 Sindh Child Helpline (1121), which handled 129,750 calls over the past five years. The department has also established 30 Child Protection Units in each district of Sindh, constituted District Coordination Committees (DCC) for Child Protection in every district, and operationalised a Shelter Home in Karachi with the capacity to accommodate 300 destitute children.

Moreover, the department enforced the Child Protection Amendment Act 2021 and the Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013, which strengthened legal protections for children.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2023.