ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have urged government bodies, civil society, human rights organisations, the media, UN agencies, communities, parents, teachers, religious scholars and children to join hands in creating a safe and nurturing environment for every child in Pakistan.
In his message on World Children’s Day, the president underscored that this year’s global theme, “My Day, My Rights,” encouraged children to speak up and take part in decisions that affect their lives.
President Zardari said World Children’s Day 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 it 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.
“Pakistan is proud to be a signatory to international conventions that promote the inclusion of children’s voices in policymaking. Our commitment to these principles remains firm, and we continue to take practical steps to turn them into reality,” President Asif Zardari said.
The Constitution of Pakistan, he underlined, guaranteed the protection and promotion of children’s rights. This commitment is reflected in key laws such as the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Act 2017, the ICT Child Protection Act 2018, the Juvenile Justice System Act 2018, the Domestic Workers Act 2022 and the ICT Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025, which criminalises child marriage for anyone under the age of 18, he added.
President Zardari said the Government had also set up mechanisms and service delivery units, including child protection institutions, to prevent exploitation and safeguard children’s welfare. While the State continues to strengthen laws and policies, the protection of children requires collective effort, he said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on World Children’s Day, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to child welfare, protection, and education.
In his message for the Children’s day, the prime minister highlighted this year’s theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscoring the importance of recognizing children’s individual and collective rights at national and international levels.
PM Shehbaz Sharif 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 amid seeking a comprehensive approach called for effective strategies that are necessary to ensure the fulfillment of these rights and to curb incidents of violence against children. He reiterated that protecting children from harm is a critical governmental priority.
The PM stated that the government is taking “every possible measure” to provide educational facilities to talented children across the country. He described the accelerated progress on the Daanish School Project as “commendable and satisfactory,” while also acknowledging the significance of BISP’s child nutrition support programs and educational stipends.
Despite these efforts, he stressed the need for greater coordination and a more robust strategy to advance child rights nationwide. He added that families, communities, and all levels of government must work sincerely to instill positive social trends and ensure a peaceful, prosperous future.
Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated that providing modern, technology-aligned education is the state’s responsibility. He noted that the government has already enforced an educational emergency to ensure the enrollment of all out-of-school children.
He further highlighted the importance of educational scholarships, healthcare facilities, and skill-development centers as essential components of child welfare. Pakistan, he said, remains committed to working with provincial governments and international partners to secure the best opportunities for all children.