Joint efforts stressed to handle child abuse cases

LAHORE:A seminar on child protection and welfare on Thursday called for concerted efforts from judiciary, police and prosecution in handling cases of child violence and exploitation.

Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection Bureau and MPA, participated in the Provincial Advocacy Seminar organised by the Child Protection Bureau and Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO).

The seminar focused on addressing crimes against children in Punjab and featured notable dignitaries, including Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik M Ahmad as the chief guest, Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal, Acting Consul General of US in Lahore Michael Diamond.

In her address, Chairperson Sarah Ahmad outlined the proactive measures taken by the Child Protection Bureau to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children in Punjab. She emphasised the bureau’s relentless efforts against child exploitation and its commitment to protecting children subjected to violence, exploitation, and trafficking.

Highlighting the bureau's significant achievements, she noted the rescue of over 45,000 children in the past five years from the 700,000 children living on the streets in Punjab. The chairperson spoke on the ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen children's rights and the expansion of the bureau's operations across the province. She called for a concerted effort from the judiciary, police, and prosecution in handling cases of child violence and exploitation.

She commended SSDO for its role in raising awareness about child trafficking and other crimes against children, urging all stakeholders to support the joint mission of the bureau and SSDO in combating these issues.

She encouraged the public to report incidents of child abuse, exploitation, violence, trafficking, and child marriages to the Child Helpline 1121. Punjab Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ahmad while addressing seminar said that under the leadership of Chairperson Sarah Ahmed, the Child Protection Bureau is providing excellent facilities to children. He mentioned that the Child Protection Bureau is playing its role in making children valuable citizens of society.

Kosar Abbas, Executive Director of SSDO, underscored the critical need for public awareness regarding child trafficking and the Trafficking in Persons Act 2018. He highlighted the severe consequences of child trafficking, including increased violence and abuse against children and domestic child workers.

Abbas affirmed the collaboration between SSDO and the Child Protection Bureau in implementing joint protective measures for children. The seminar saw the participation of parliamentarians, Prosecutor General of Punjab, Justice (Retd) Nasira Iqbal, anchor Mansoor Ali Khan, and representatives from various departments and NGOs, all unified in their commitment to advancing child protection in Punjab.