ISLAMABAD: NOV 20 /DNA/: Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, addressed a gathering organized by the National Commission on the Rights of Child in Islamabad today to mark World Children’s Day 2025, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring that every child grows up safe, healthy, educated and protected from all forms of harm.
The event was also attended by Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice; Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson NCRC; Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan; representatives from civil society organizations, government officials and children invited from across the country.
The Minister emphasized that World Children’s Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect the rights and dignity of every child, with government, institutions, civil society, communities, and families all playing a role. He noted that Pakistan’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child demonstrates the country’s commitment to safeguarding children without discrimination, and highlighted the progress made in strengthening systems that support and protect them. “These efforts reflect our national commitment to keeping children at the center of decision-making and social development,” he stated.
At the same time, the Federal Minister acknowledged ongoing challenges, including barriers to education, health, nutrition, protection, and legal identity. Addressing these requires sustained political will, strong institutional collaboration, and active involvement of parents and communities. “Pakistan stands with the international community in observing World Children’s Day and remains determined to ensure that every child, regardless of background, has equal access to opportunity, protection, and development,” he affirmed.
While addressing the event, Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law and Justice, highlighted the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to protecting the rights of every child. He noted key progress, including strengthened birth registration systems, operational District Child Protection Units, deployment of the national Child Protection Information Management System, a 24/7 helpline, advancement of child protection policies, completion of national and provincial child labour surveys, and measures on child marriage legislation.
“World Children’s Day is a reminder that every child in Pakistan deserves to grow up with dignity, opportunity, and protection. At the NCRC, our mission is to ensure that children’s voices shape the policies and decisions that affect them. I am especially proud of our Child Advisory Panel, which brings forward the lived realities and ideas of children from every background. Today, as we celebrate their leadership and resilience, I urge all institutions, communities, and families to place children at the center of our national priorities. When we listen to children, we move closer to building a Pakistan where every child can dream freely and safely.” said Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson, NCRC
Pernille Ironside, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, emphasized that every child deserves to grow up safe, happy and hopeful. She noted that too many children still wake up without nutritious food, a sense of safety, or opportunities to learn and that is not the world they asked for. “We must do better and we will, with children’s voices guiding our actions,” she added.
The event highlighted the importance of placing children at the center of national priorities and reaffirmed the collective responsibility of government, institutions, civil society, communities, and families to ensure that every child in Pakistan can grow, learn, and thrive in a safe, supportive, and empowering environment. World Children’s Day 2025 serves as a reminder that investing in children today is an investment in the future of the nation.
