Blue message for Pak children

Saba Qamar is once again using her platform to highlight the challenges faced by children across Pakistan.

Marking World Children's Day on Thursday, the actor appeared on social media in blue, a symbolic gesture aimed at drawing attention to the country's ongoing children's rights issues.

"Today is all about children's dreams, their voices & their rights. Let's help children shine bright & build a future full of hope!" she wrote on her Instagram account along with her video message.

"Every child has a right to learn, to grow up healthy, to live in a safe environment and to have a voice in the decisions that shape their future," she said. "Let's come together to make these rights a reality for every child."

Her participation this year builds on her role as Unicef Pakistan's National Ambassador, a position she assumed last year. The appointment was announced on the International Day of the Girl Child, a moment dedicated to spotlighting girls' rights and the distinct challenges they face globally.

Qamar expressed gratitude for the role at the time, saying, "It's an honour to join Unicef. I will promote our shared mission of ensuring every child's rights, wherever I am."

She also reflected on insights from her recent travels, where she witnessed the difficulties experienced by children and women across the country and the impact of Unicef's ongoing initiatives. "I am committed to doing my part for the children and youth of Pakistan, enabling them to dream and achieve those dreams," she added.

The annual observance of World Children's Day on 20 November commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child in 1959 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1989, two internationally recognised documents outlining the protections every child is entitled to receive.

This year, the United Nations again urged governments and communities to place children's rights at the centre of national priorities, highlighting the day's historic link to landmark commitments made more than six decades ago.

Unicef uses the day to emphasise persistent challenges, noting that millions of children continue to face limited access to healthcare, education and safe environments. It maintains that meaningful progress requires sustained political will and policies addressing protection, development and participation.

Global landmarks and public institutions traditionally illuminate in blue to symbolise solidarity with children, while schools, community groups and media organisations participate in activities designed to amplify young people's voices. Unicef also promotes 'kids' takeovers', encouraging children to speak directly to decision-makers.

Each year, Unicef adopts a broad theme to frame the campaign. Recent efforts have stressed the importance of ensuring that children are heard when shaping policies affecting their futures, particularly in areas such as climate, digital safety and education. The UN warns that without urgent action, many countries risk falling behind on fundamental rights linked to protection, opportunity and survival.

Saba Qamar's renewed call comes as children's issues remain urgent in Pakistan. Child marriage continues to be one of the most pressing concerns, with the country home to 19 million child brides - the sixth-highest figure globally.

More than half of adolescent girls become pregnant before 18, a reality posing serious health risks for both mother and child. Without targeted intervention, Unicef cautions that Pakistan may take decades to eliminate child marriage.

In acknowledging Qamar's advocacy, Unicef Representative in Pakistan Abdullah Fadil welcomed her involvement, describing her as a courageous and influential advocate for women's and girls' rights. Her commitment, he noted, strengthens ongoing efforts to protect children's futures and push for lasting change.