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KARACHI, Nov 22 (APP):Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Saturday led an awareness walk at Sea View to mark World Children’s Day, reaffirming the provincial government’s resolve to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their well-being.
Upon arrival, the chief minister was received by Provincial Minister for Social Welfare Mir Tarique Ali Talpur, Social Welfare Secretary Agha Sohail and others. The event, organised by the Social Welfare Department, aimed to highlight issues related to children’s rights, protection, education, and welfare. Citizens participating in the walk lauded the government’s ongoing efforts for child protection across Sindh.
During the walk, CM Murad Shah interacted warmly with children and said they are the nation’s most valuable asset. “Children are our future, and protecting their rights remains our top priority,” he said. “We want a society where every child feels safe, confident, and empowered. The world is beautiful because of children, and it becomes even more beautiful with their love and proper upbringing.”
Speaking to the media, the Chief Minister said he recently chaired a meeting on the alarming number of out-of-school children – 70,000 in Sindh alone. He announced that a special program has been launched to bring them back into the education system. “Our goal is to reduce the number of out-of-school children by half within the next three years,” he stated, urging philanthropists to support newly introduced digital learning schools.
Issuing a warning, the CM said that if the issue remains unaddressed, the number of out-of-school children could rise to 50 million in the next five years. He added that the provincial government has enacted special legislation to curb child labour and ensure stronger protection for children.
Shah also noted that the National Assembly recently passed a bill banning underage marriages, while Sindh continues to implement its Child Marriage Restraint Act strictly. “Some provinces have loopholes that people misuse, but in Sindh, we take action whenever the Child Marriage Act is violated,” he stressed.
Highlighting the core issues behind children dropping out of school, the CM pointed to poverty and lack of facilities, saying these concerns are being addressed through digital learning initiatives. He also acknowledged calls for tougher laws made during a related meeting held a day earlier, but emphasised that poverty remains the biggest constraint.
Discussing reforms in the education sector, the Chief Minister said new teachers have been hired through competitive examinations to improve the quality of public schooling. “Yet, many government teachers frequently protest on the streets. Their foremost responsibility is to teach our children,” he remarked.
On child protection, Murad Shah said the provincial government treats child abuse cases with utmost seriousness. “Unless strict punishments are ensured, child abuse cannot be eliminated,” he said. He added that Sindh is the only province where children are regularly taught about good touch and bad touch – despite periodic criticism.
The Social Welfare Department organised various activities throughout Sindh to mark World Children’s Day and raise awareness about children’s rights and protection. The walk at Seaview saw children dressed in Children’s Day t-shirts and caps, along with a large turnout from civil society.