Lahore is set to be declared the region’s first “Child-Friendly City,” as UNICEF will formally issue a certificate recognizing the provincial capital as a safe and supportive city for children.
According to a spokesperson for the Home Department, the development was discussed during a meeting on Tuesday between Punjab Secretary Home Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi and UNICEF Chief Field Officer Ramez Behbudov, along with other senior officials.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Qazi said that Punjab was the first province in Pakistan to approve a comprehensive child protection policy aimed at safeguarding children’s rights. He added that the protection of women and children remains among the top priorities of the provincial government.
He said a zero-tolerance policy is being implemented against violence, abuse, and exploitation of children. The Home Department is also conducting awareness campaigns such as “Good Touch, Bad Touch.”
Dr. Qazi further stated that the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) is providing shelter, food, education, healthcare, as well as psychological and legal assistance to children in need.
He added that 19 new child protection units are in the final stages of completion, which will bring the total number to 36 across the province. He reiterated the government’s commitment to establishing a safe and dignified society for children.
Ramez Behbudov praised the initiatives taken by the Punjab government, calling the measures for the protection of women and children exemplary. He also highlighted the importance of the “Zewar-e-Taleem” program, noting its role in increasing school enrollment among girls.
Behbudov expressed his pleasure at visiting Lahore and mentioned that Lahore and his hometown, Nakhchivan, are twin cities.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for declaring Lahore as the region’s first “Child-Friendly City” is expected to be signed in the first week of May, the spokesperson added.
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