PESHAWAR, Oct 09 (APP):The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission (KPCPWC) launched a province-wide awareness campaign against child sexual abuse and exploitation.
The campaign focuses on prevention, timely identification of risks, and the responsible reporting of suspected incidents.
The initiative aims to raise awareness among families and communities, promote protective measures, and enhance coordination among relevant institutions to ensure effective child protection and a timely response.
Sharif Hussain, Secretary Department of Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, Special Education, and Women Empowerment, formally inaugurated the campaign at a ceremony.
The event was attended by government representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, religious scholars, media representatives, and delegates from child protection agencies.
KPCPWC Chief Ejaz Muhammad Khan stated that the campaign would focus on fostering awareness at the family and societal levels, identifying risks early, and encouraging the responsible reporting of suspected cases.
He emphasized the need for joint and coordinated efforts by families, society, schools, government institutions, civil society, and the media to provide a safe environment for children.
Religious scholar Gul Muhammad highlighted the importance of ensuring the dignity, safety, and well-being of children, noting that protecting children from harm is a shared moral and social responsibility of families, society, and institutions.
Qamar Naseem, Program Manager at Blue Veins, also emphasized the need for collective efforts to prevent the sexual exploitation and abuse of children, stating that the safety and best interests of children must remain central to all initiatives.
Adolescent girls associated with the Rise and Shine Girls Leadership Network participated in various segments of the event, highlighting the importance of providing safe platforms for children and adolescents to express their views and play an active role in measures concerning their safety and rights.
Participants also visited stalls featuring information, educational resources, and communication materials focused on child protection, prevention strategies, and reporting mechanisms.
Reaffirming their commitment to child protection, the participants signed the campaign’s pledge.
According to the KPCPWC, this campaign will continue across the province with the collaboration of government departments, development partners, civil society, local communities, the media, religious leaders, and children and adolescents.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
