ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), in collaboration with the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) and the Islamic Research Institute (IRI), has launched a child protection awareness campaign to prevent abuse, exploitation, violence and neglect.
The campaign was launched at a seminar titled “Child Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility: Preventing and Responding to Child Abuse,” attended by parliamentarians, policymakers, child rights advocates, academics and heads of public and private schools.
The initiative aims to strengthen child safeguarding mechanisms, improve reporting systems and promote coordinated efforts among government institutions, educational establishments, families and civil society to ensure children’s safety and well-being.
The seminar was attended by Minister of State for Law and Justice Barrister Aqeel Malik, SSDO Chief Executive Officer Syed Kausar Abbas, MNA and PCCR Convener Dr. Nikhat Shakeel, MNAs Zeb Jaffar and Asiya Naz Tanoli, National Commission on the Rights of Child Chairperson Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq, Islamic Research Institute Director General Dr. Muhammad Akram and SSDO Director Programmes Maryam Jawad.
Participants emphasised that protecting children requires more than legislation and policy commitments, stressing the need for effective implementation, institutional accountability and timely action against abuse and exploitation.
They highlighted the role of schools as frontline institutions in identifying warning signs of abuse, ensuring appropriate reporting and providing safe, inclusive and child-friendly learning environments.
Under the next phase of the campaign, SSDO plans to reach approximately 300 public and private schools across Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Multan, targeting more than 50,000 students and parents.
The campaign will include school-based awareness sessions and engagement with parents, teachers and school administrations to help children understand personal safety, encourage them to report concerns safely and equip families with the knowledge to recognise risks and respond appropriately.
Speakers stressed that children should be able to disclose abuse or safety concerns without fear, stigma or intimidation and receive timely, child-sensitive support.
They noted that child protection is a shared responsibility that requires coordinated action by government departments, parliamentarians, educators, parents, civil society organisations and local communities.
The seminar concluded with a call for sustained collaboration and practical measures to protect children’s rights, dignity and well-being, ensuring that every child can grow up in a safe environment free from violence, abuse and exploitation.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
