Chairperson CPWB & MPA Sarah Ahmad had moved the child protection policy through the home department two years ago, which has been approved by the cabinet committee on legislative business under the chairmanship of Provincial Finance Minister Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman. Provincial Ministers Uzma Bukhari, Sohaib Bhurt, and Zeeshan Rafiq also headed this committee.
Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau and Member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly, Sarah Ahmad and Special Secretary Home Department Fazal Ur Rehman briefed the committee about the policy.
In a historic move, the Committee approved the Punjab Child Protection Policy. Chairperson Sarah Ahmed briefed the attendees on the details and significance of the policy, highlighting its comprehensive framework aimed at safeguarding children's rights and protecting them from abuse, violence, exploitation, and neglect. Notably, Punjab is the first and only province in Pakistan to approve such a policy, filling a crucial gap in child protection legislation.
Chairperson Sarah Ahmad expressed her gratitude for the support from the Chief Minister of Punjab, acknowledging that the policy's approval marks a milestone in the province's efforts to protect children. She emphasized that the policy would facilitate a unified platform for all relevant departments, enhancing the overall efficacy of child protection measures in Punjab.
This policy was prepared by CPWB with technical assistance from UNICEF Pakistan, addressing the long-standing absence of any formal child protection policy in the province.
Key Highlights of the Punjab Child Protection Policy: UNCRC Compliance:** The policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and is the first of its kind to be approved in any province of Pakistan, UNICEF Collaboration:** Developed with technical assistance from UNICEF Pakistan, the policy outlines a coordinated approach to child protection, Integrated Approach: It mandates cooperation among families, schools, communities, local governments, and relevant departments to work jointly in protecting children from harm, Case Management and Referral Mechanism:** The policy introduces robust case management and referral mechanisms to be implemented across Punjab to ensure timely and effective response to child protection issues. Capacity Building: Emphasis is placed on strengthening the social service workforce and ensuring confidential data management practices and Resource Allocation: The policy ensures the allocation of public resources for child protection, in line with Pakistan's constitutional provisions and international commitments.