Punjab safest province for kids, claims CM

Maryam pledges strict legal action against those involved in child labour

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has reiterated her commitment to eliminating child labour and ensuring a safe, dignified and prosperous future for children across the province.

In a message on the World Day Against Child Labour, she reaffirmed the government's resolve to eradicate child labour and urged parents to provide children access to education, healthcare and recreational opportunities.

She emphasised that respect for children's rights is a hallmark of a civilised and dignified society, adding that Punjab is now the safest province for children. "Children are my red line," she said, stressing that violence, abuse or exploitation of children in any form is unacceptable.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz appealed to parents to treat children with love and care rather than subjecting them to labour.

She vowed strict legal action against those involved in child labour at brick kilns or any other workplace.

She said the theme "Fair opportunities for children, no to child labour, and dignified employment for youth" serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect children and secure their future.

She said the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and other social welfare institutions in Punjab are actively working to safeguard children's rights and welfare.

"Every child is our future. We want to see books and laptops in their hands, not bricks, stones or iron tools," she said, adding that initiatives such as the Honhaar Scholarship Programme and the distribution of laptops are encouraging children to pursue education.

The chief minister underscored the need for collective awareness and action to eliminate child labour, saying the challenge cannot be addressed through individual efforts alone.

CM Maryam Nawaz stated that the Punjab government remains committed to fulfilling its responsibility to ensure children's nutritional needs, education, upbringing and healthcare. She highlighted that the School Meal Programme is being implemented across the province to address malnutrition among schoolchildren.

In another statement, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and his team on presenting the fifth federal budget, describing it as a relief-oriented package aimed at extending the benefits of economic recovery to the common people.

She paid tribute to the prime minister and his economic team for introducing what she termed a welfare budget, saying the time had come for the dividends of economic improvement to reach ordinary citizens.