World Children's Day: PM Shehbaz urges nation to safeguard children rights

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan joined the global community in observing World Children’s Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about children’s rights, welfare and protection.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have marked 20 November as World Children’s Day to highlight the challenges faced by children worldwide. The day is observed worldwide to promote initiatives for the betterment of children and to take further steps for their safety.

World children’s day serves as a reminder for parents to provide children with opportunities for play, recreation, and learning to support healthy physical and mental growth.

Despite global efforts, Pakistan continues to struggle with widespread child labour, where children work in homes, hotels, factories, brick kilns and various businesses, often facing exploitation, physical abuse and extremely low wages.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message marking the occasion, said Pakistan stands with the world in advocating for children’s rights, quality education and better upbringing. He noted that this year’s theme, “My Day, My Rights,” underscores children’s fundamental rights, their development, and the importance of addressing issues affecting their lives.

He emphasised that a nation’s future is linked to its children, adding that global cooperation is essential to ensure children’s welfare. “Mental and physical development, complete protection and quality education are key pillars of children’s rights,” the prime minister said, urging both individuals and institutions to play their part.

Shehbaz Sharif highlighted ongoing government initiatives, including steps to curb violence against children and the expansion of the Daanish School Project to provide modern education facilities to talented students nationwide. He reiterated that the government has imposed an education emergency to bring out-of-school children into the education system as quickly as possible.

The PM appealed to parents, teachers and society at large to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their proper upbringing, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to giving every child a safe, prosperous and educated future.