CPWB calls for stronger child protection system, effective reporting mechanism

LAHORE, Oct 14 (APP): Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Punjab Chairperson Sarah Ahmad has stressed the need for stronger child protection measures, effective reporting mechanisms and coordination among educational institutions, parents and government departments to protect children from violence, abuse and exploitation.

She was speaking at an awareness dialogue held at Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi to strengthen the child protection system. The dialogue marked the launch of an awareness campaign titled “Child Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility” by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), said a spokesperson for CPWB here on Wednesday.

Under the campaign, around 30,000 children studying in public and private schools in Rawalpindi, along with their parents, will be educated about child protection, the chairperson said.

She emphasized that protecting children from violence, abuse and exploitation required effective safeguards and coordinated efforts by educational institutions, families and relevant government departments.

The chairperson stressed the need to raise awareness among teachers and parents about child protection policies and available support services. She also called for strengthening mechanisms for the timely identification and reporting of child abuse and exploitation. “Providing every child with a safe, peaceful and supportive educational environment is our collective responsibility,” she said, adding that government institutions and all segments of society must play their role in safeguarding children’s rights and preventing abuse.

Sarah Ahmad said that child protection was not the responsibility of any single institution but a shared responsibility of the entire nation.

The dialogue was attended by Member of the National Assembly Asia Naz Tanoli, Punjab Assembly members Tahira Mushtaq, Tahseen Fawad and Riffat Abbasi, Head of the Department of Sociology at Fatima Jinnah Women University Dr Adeela, SSDO Executive Director Syed Kausar Abbas and representatives of civil society.

Participants agreed on the need for joint efforts by legislatures, educational institutions, families and civil society to protect children’s rights and strengthen child protection mechanisms.

Representatives of SSDO emphasized that awareness alone was insufficient to ensure children’s safety, underscoring the importance of effective protection policies, timely reporting and institutional accountability.

According to the spokesperson, the awareness campaign will also be conducted in Islamabad, Mandi Bahauddin, Jhelum, Multan and Peshawar.