World is beautiful because of children, says CM

Murad Ali Shah leads awareness walk on World Children's Day

KARACHI:

An awareness walk was organised by the Sindh Social Welfare Department at Sea View on Saturday in connection with World Children's Day, where Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah renewed his government's resolve to safeguard children's rights and promote their welfare.

The event sought to draw attention to issues concerning children's protection, education and overall wellbeing. Participants appreciated the government's ongoing efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms across the province.

During the walk, CM Shah mingled with children and described them as the nation's "most valuable asset." He said children represent Pakistan's future and that ensuring their rights and security remains the government's priority. "We want a society where every child feels safe, confident and empowered," he said. "The world is beautiful because of children, and it becomes even more beautiful with their love and proper upbringing."

Speaking to reporters, the chief minister said that he recently chaired a high-level meeting to address the issue of out-of-school children and announced the launch of a special programme aimed at reintegrating such children into the education system. The government, he added, aims to reduce the number of out-of-school children by half within the next three years. He urged philanthropists to support the province's newly launched digital learning schools.

Warning of the consequences of inaction, CM Shah said the number of out-of-school children nationwide could reach 50 million in the next five years if the problem is ignored. He added that the provincial government has introduced legislation targeting child labour and strengthening child protection. Referring to recent legislative developments, he said the National Assembly has passed a bill banning child marriages, while Sindh continues to strictly enforce its own Child Marriage Restraint Act.