The Punjab Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz, has officially approved the First Comprehensive Child Protection Policy in the province, marking a significant milestone in the protection of children’s rights.
The policy, developed by the Office of Child Protection and Welfare, aims to provide a structured and effective roadmap to prevent abuse, negligence, violence and child exploitation. It was approved during a recent cabinet meeting chaired by the main minister.
The president of the Child Protection Office, Sarah Ahmad, declared that the policy reflects the strong commitment of the Punjab government to safeguard the rights of children and underlines the prioritization of child welfare of the main minister.
He pointed out that the work in the implementation framework began a year ago with the development of a case management system, while the initial policy draft was presented to the Government two years ago through the Department of Origin.
UNICEF Pakistan provided technical support to write the policy, ensuring alignment with international standards.
In the past, efforts to develop a child protection policy in Punjab hesitated due to political disinterest, lack of budgetary support and institutional challenges.
However, according to the current administration, the initiative received strategic importance and has now received approval at the cabinet level.
Social experts and defenders of children’s rights have acclaimed politics as a historical achievement. They believe that it will not only help prevent crimes against children, but will also lay the foundations of a safer and supporting environment throughout the province.
The Punjab government is expected to soon deploy implementation plans at the district level and awareness campaigns to guarantee an effective application of the policy.
