Pakistan's Punjab province approves landmark child protection policy
Gulf Today Report
In a historic move that underscores an unwavering commitment to children's rights, the Punjab cabinet has officially approved the province's first-ever Comprehensive Child Protection Policy.
Developed by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau with technical support from Unicef Pakistan, this policy represents a pivotal step toward ensuring a safer, more just, and nurturing environment for every child in Punjab.
The policy sets a new benchmark for child welfare in Pakistan and reflects the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab,Maryam Nawaz, whose steadfast focus on child protection has been instrumental in this achievement.
Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Sarah Ahmad, expressed heartfelt gratitude on the occasion: 'I extend my sincere thanks to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her unwavering dedication and leadership in championing the rights of our children. The approval of this policy is more than a government decision—it is a beacon of hope, a transformative milestone that strengthens our resolve to protect and empower children across the province.'
She further added: The newly approved Child Protection Policy of Punjab lays the foundation for a robust and integrated child protection system across the province. It is designed to safeguard all children from abuse, violence, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices, ensuring their safety and dignity. Anchored in both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Constitution of Pakistan, the policy reflects international standards and national legal frameworks.
A core strength of the policy lies in its emphasis on multi-sectoral collaboration, bringing together families, schools, communities, and government departments to form a united front in the protection of children. It establishes clear rules, procedures, and services to respond effectively to child protection concerns and seeks to strengthen both legal and social systems for sustained impact.
To build a capable support system, the policy includes provisions for the professional training of social service workers, enabling them to respond to the needs of vulnerable children with skill and sensitivity. Furthermore, it introduces a digital Case Management and Referral System (CP-CMRS), which will help track individual cases and ensure timely interventions. Alongside this, a centralised Management Information System (MIS) will facilitate data collection, inter-agency coordination, and effective follow-ups.
Lastly, the policy establishes strong mechanisms for provincial and district-level coordination, with a focus on regular monitoring, transparent reporting, and accountability.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
13-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Pakistan 'saddened' by deadly plane crash in India
Gulf Today Report Leaders from Pakistan expressed sorrow and grief over the loss of at least 242 lives in the tragic plane crash incident in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday. Minutes after take-off from the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad, the London-bound Air India flight 171 crashed with 242 on board. Reacting to the plane crash indecent, Prime Minister Shahbaz said: 'Saddened by the tragic crash of Air India flight near Ahmedabad today.' He added: We extend our condolences to the families of the victims grieving this immense loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.' Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Thursday he was "saddened" by a plane crash in neighbouring India, where all 242 people on board an Air India flight are believed killed. "Condolences over the loss of precious lives in this tragic incident. Our sympathies are with the families of the victims in this hour of grief," Dar, who also serves as deputy prime minister, said on social media platform X. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has also offered condolences on Air India crash tragedy. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic crash of #AirIndia Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad today. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected," he said. The defence minister said, "Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all aboard. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected." Former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari said he was 'saddened to hear a tragic incident occurred', mentioning the Air India crash. 'I express my profound condolences to the people of India,' he said on X. Former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has also expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives in the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Nawaz Sharif offered heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Air India plane crash. In his message, he wrote that the devastating tragedy goes beyond borders and reminds us of our shared humanity. He extended his deep sympathy to Prime Minister Modi and the people of India, saying that his thoughts and prayers are with the grieving families. Sharif's message struck a note of compassion and unity, highlighting how such incidents touch hearts on both sides of the border. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Pakistan International Airline (PIA) also extended condolences to the families of all those who lost loved ones in the crash. Taking to X, the spokesperson said: Our hearts go out to the families & loved ones affected by today's tragic crash. At #PIA, we stand in solidarity with our fellow aviation community, offering our deepest condolences to Flight 171 and all those impacted.'
Gulf Today
11-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's PM Shahbaz set to embark on UAE visit on Thursday
Gulf Today Report Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the UAE on Thursday, along with a high-level delegation. A press release issued by the Foreign Office on Wednesday said that the visit reflected the 'deep-rooted fraternal ties' between Pakistan and the UAE, marked by mutual trust, shared values, and close cooperation across multiple sectors. 'The PM will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, federal ministers, and other senior officers,' the press release said. During the visit, PM Shahbaz will hold high-level meetings with the UAE leadership, including a bilateral meeting with the President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A wide range of bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest and concern will be discussed during the high-level interactions. According to the Foreign Office, the prime minister's visit will serve to further strengthen the longstanding brotherly relations between Pakistan and the UAE, deepen economic ties, and foster multifaceted collaboration. It said that the visit was a 'manifestation of Pakistan's and UAE's shared commitment to bolstering the mutually beneficial strategic partnership, enhancing cooperation in existing areas of mutual interest, and exploring new avenues for further strengthening the bilateral cordial relations.' In February, Shahbaz was invited by UAE leader to participate in the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, where he delivered a keynote address highlighting Pakistan's vision for inclusive economic growth, digital transformation and governance reforms. The UAE is one of Pakistan's largest trading partners in the Middle East and a major source of remittances, with a large Pakistani expatriate population living and working there.
Gulf Today
05-06-2025
- Gulf Today
Pakistan's Punjab province approves landmark child protection policy
Gulf Today Report In a historic move that underscores an unwavering commitment to children's rights, the Punjab cabinet has officially approved the province's first-ever Comprehensive Child Protection Policy. Developed by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau with technical support from Unicef Pakistan, this policy represents a pivotal step toward ensuring a safer, more just, and nurturing environment for every child in Punjab. The policy sets a new benchmark for child welfare in Pakistan and reflects the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab,Maryam Nawaz, whose steadfast focus on child protection has been instrumental in this achievement. Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Sarah Ahmad, expressed heartfelt gratitude on the occasion: 'I extend my sincere thanks to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her unwavering dedication and leadership in championing the rights of our children. The approval of this policy is more than a government decision—it is a beacon of hope, a transformative milestone that strengthens our resolve to protect and empower children across the province.' She further added: The newly approved Child Protection Policy of Punjab lays the foundation for a robust and integrated child protection system across the province. It is designed to safeguard all children from abuse, violence, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices, ensuring their safety and dignity. Anchored in both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Constitution of Pakistan, the policy reflects international standards and national legal frameworks. A core strength of the policy lies in its emphasis on multi-sectoral collaboration, bringing together families, schools, communities, and government departments to form a united front in the protection of children. It establishes clear rules, procedures, and services to respond effectively to child protection concerns and seeks to strengthen both legal and social systems for sustained impact. To build a capable support system, the policy includes provisions for the professional training of social service workers, enabling them to respond to the needs of vulnerable children with skill and sensitivity. Furthermore, it introduces a digital Case Management and Referral System (CP-CMRS), which will help track individual cases and ensure timely interventions. Alongside this, a centralised Management Information System (MIS) will facilitate data collection, inter-agency coordination, and effective follow-ups. Lastly, the policy establishes strong mechanisms for provincial and district-level coordination, with a focus on regular monitoring, transparent reporting, and accountability.
