Leaders call for unified push for child safety

Urge kids to participate in decisions affecting their lives

ISLAMABAD:

President Asif Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to child welfare and protection, urging state institutions, civil society, UN bodies and community leaders to work together to ensure a safe and nurturing environment for every child.

In their separate messages on World Children's Day observed globally on November 20, the president and the premier encouraged children to speak up and take part in decisions that affect their lives.

The president noted that this year's global theme "My Day, My Rights" reminded that it is not just a day of acknowledgement but a call to action. The day promotes international unity and awareness of children's welfare, marking the anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, he added.

He said the occasion highlights the progress made under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the importance of strong social protection systems. "Establishing comprehensive frameworks for child protection is not just a matter of policy, it is a moral imperative," he added.

The president noted that "the Day also reminds our shared responsibility to build a future where every child can enjoy fundamental rights, free from discrimination and exploitation."

The protection of child rights, he said is not simply a legal commitment but a moral duty that demands our collective attention and effort.

In his message for the Children's day, the prime minister highlighted this year's theme, "My Day, My Rights," and underscored the importance of recognizing children's individual and collective rights at national and international levels.

The premier emphasized that the future of any nation is deeply linked to the wellbeing and development of its children, describing inter-state cooperation for child welfare as essential.

He noted that mental and physical growth, safety, and quality education remain the foundational pillars of children's rights.

The prime minister, while calling for a comprehensive approach, urged the adoption of effective strategies to ensure the fulfillment of children's rights and to curb incidents of violence against them. He reiterated that protecting children from harm is a critical governmental priority.

He stated that the government is taking "every possible measure" to provide educational facilities to talented children and described the accelerated progress on the plan as "commendable and satisfactory," while also acknowledging the significance of BISP's child nutrition support programmes and educational stipends.