UNICEF Appreciates Punjab Govt’s Child Protection Initiatives
UNICEF Appreciates Punjab Govt’s Child Protection Initiatives
Published September 09, 2026 | 09:10 PM
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 9th Sep, 2026) A delegation of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Islamabad, on Wednesday visited the Punjab Home Department and held a meeting with Additional Secretary Foreign National Security, Ayesha Mumtaz.
During the meeting, the participants discussed the overall law and order situation in the province and measures being taken for the protection and welfare of children.
The UNICEF delegation comprised Sidahmed Abdullah and Muhammad Khalid Irfan, while Deputy Secretary Muhammad Murtaza, Deputy Secretary Jamal Fazil and Muhammad Asadullah Gondal were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, Ayesha Mumtaz said protection of women and children was among the foremost priorities of the Punjab government. She stated that Punjab was the first province to approve a comprehensive Child Protection Policy aimed at safeguarding children’s rights. She explained that children were being provided safe shelter, food, education, and healthcare facilities, along with psychological and legal assistance. “Ensuring the safety of children and bringing those who exploit them to justice is the responsibility of the state,” she added.
The UNICEF delegation appreciated the measures being taken by the Punjab government for the protection and welfare of children.
The delegation also visited the Digital Media and Public Outreach Cell of the Punjab Home Department, where Director Public Relations, Tauseef Sabih Gondal, briefed them about the “Haya and Bahadur” animated cartoon series developed to promote child protection awareness.
They were informed that the Home Department was running a "Good Touch, Bad Touch" awareness campaign to prevent sexual abuse of young children.
Through the animated series, children were being sensitised in an age-appropriate manner about appropriate and inappropriate physical behaviour and encouraged to report any inappropriate behaviour to their parents.
The briefing highlighted the importance of educating parents and teachers to help children recognise and report sexual abuse or exploitation, whether at home or outside.
Further, the delegation was informed that the Home Department was taking steps to incorporate "Good Touch, Bad Touch" awareness into the curriculum of early-grade classes so that children could develop a basic understanding of personal safety from an early age.