Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif of Pakistan announced on Tuesday that his administration is preparing to enact reforms aimed at protecting the welfare of children, Pakistan Today reported.
Sharif made the announcement to celebrate Universal Children's Day, which marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
The prime minister noted that as a strong supporter and signatory of the UNCRC, Pakistan provides a healthy environment that ensures the protection of children's rights and overall development.
Ever since the country became part of the UNCRC, Sharif said Pakistan has been enacting policies for the betterment of children.
He noted that to demonstrate the country's stand regarding the protection of minors, Pakistan headed the South Asia Initiative to End Violence Against Children, which is one of the apex bodies of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
Sharif explained that in Pakistan, children are considered as the future custodians of the country.
This is why the country ensures that they are given opportunities to receive formal education, provided with proper healthcare services to ensure their wellbeing and safeguarded from elements that could hinder their development.
"Children are very well protected in Pakistan and provided with every opportunity to progress in life," Sharif said.
For the country's latest campaign, the prime minister has appointed the Ministry of Law, Justice and Human Rights to establish and carry out reforms to protect the rights of children, according to Daily Times.
In addition, Sharif called on various sectors such as the media, private organizations and the corporate community to cooperate with the government's pro-child campaign.
Although exact details of the campaign are yet to be announced, the prime minister mentioned it will begin with combating the issue of violence against children.
"In order to practically implement the spirit of this initiative and as a sequel to the 25th anniversary of adoption of the UNCRC, Pakistan is launching a national campaign to end violence against children with a view to ensure that they are free from any unbecoming treatment and are progressing well," he said.
