LAHORE, Sep 26 (APP):Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Punjab on Saturday said that child protection begins even before birth, stressing the need for greater awareness about genetic risks,pre-marital thalassemia screening and genetic counselling. Addressing the international Conference on Human Reproductive Health (CRAFT-2026) at a local hotel here on Saturday, she appreciated renowned gynaecologist,Dr.Arshad Chauhan for including cousin marriage among the key subjects of the conference. She also lauded Prof.Dr.Rashid …
CPWB Chairperson urges promotion of thalassemia screening before marriage
LAHORE, Sep 26 (APP):Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Punjab on Saturday said that child protection begins even before birth, stressing the need for greater awareness about genetic risks,pre-marital thalassemia screening and genetic counselling.
Addressing the international Conference on Human Reproductive Health (CRAFT-2026) at a local hotel here on Saturday, she appreciated renowned gynaecologist,Dr.Arshad Chauhan for including cousin marriage among the key subjects of the conference.
She also lauded Prof.Dr.Rashid Latif and the panel of experts for their discussion based on scientific evidence and public awareness.
Chairperson Sara Ahmed said more than 80,000 children had been rescued by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau(CPWB) since its establishment while over 1,200 children were currently under its care.
She said the burden of preventable diseases faced by families could further complicate issues relating to child protection and welfare.
Referring to cousin marriages,she said studies had indicated that nearly six out of every 10 marriages in Pakistan took place between close relatives,making awareness about possible genetic disorders and congenital complications important.
She said millions of beta-thalassemia carriers existed in Pakistan while thousands of children were born with the disease every year.
She stressed the importance of blood screening and genetic counselling before marriage,adding that being a carrier should not be considered a barrier to marriage but rather an opportunity for timely awareness and future planning.
The chairperson said families should be provided information about the medical facts associated with cousin marriages with due regard for cultural and religious sensitivities.
“Islam permits cousin marriage and for many families it is a source of trust and security,however,awareness of possible health risks is also necessary,”she said.
“Our objective is not to ask families to abandon cousin marriages, but to promote informed decision-making,”she added.
Sara Ahmed said a simple blood test could help identify potential risks to future generations and provide families with an opportunity for better planning.
She called for promoting a culture of pre-marital thalassemia screening and genetic counselling.
She further said awareness and precautionary measures before marriage and pregnancy were essential for laying the foundation for a healthy childhood.
In the context of early marriage,she said the health and informed consent of every girl should also be an important consideration in marriage-related decision-making.
The chairperson said gynaecologists could inquire about family history during medical examinations and guide families towards genetic counselling where necessary.
“A child has no choice in selecting his or her parents, but parents certainly have the opportunity to know and understand the potential risks before marriage,” she said.
Sara Ahmed called for collective efforts by families,medical experts and the state to expand awareness for the protection,health and safe future of children.
She said the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau was available to support families seeking guidance for the safe and healthy future of their children.
