Pakistan's Punjab province approves landmark child protection policy

Gulf Today Report

In a historic move that underscores an unwavering commitment to children’s rights, the Punjab cabinet has officially approved the province’s first-ever Comprehensive Child Protection Policy.

Developed by the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau with technical support from Unicef Pakistan, this policy represents a pivotal step toward ensuring a safer, more just, and nurturing environment for every child in Punjab.

The policy sets a new benchmark for child welfare in Pakistan and reflects the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab,Maryam Nawaz, whose steadfast focus on child protection has been instrumental in this achievement.

Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Sarah Ahmad, expressed heartfelt gratitude on the occasion: “I extend my sincere thanks to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her unwavering dedication and leadership in championing the rights of our children. The approval of this policy is more than a government decision—it is a beacon of hope, a transformative milestone that strengthens our resolve to protect and empower children across the province.”

She further added: The newly approved Child Protection Policy of Punjab lays the foundation for a robust and integrated child protection system across the province. It is designed to safeguard all children from abuse, violence, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices, ensuring their safety and dignity. Anchored in both the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Constitution of Pakistan, the policy reflects international standards and national legal frameworks.

A core strength of the policy lies in its emphasis on multi-sectoral collaboration, bringing together families, schools, communities, and government departments to form a united front in the protection of children. It establishes clear rules, procedures, and services to respond effectively to child protection concerns and seeks to strengthen both legal and social systems for sustained impact.

To build a capable support system, the policy includes provisions for the professional training of social service workers, enabling them to respond to the needs of vulnerable children with skill and sensitivity. Furthermore, it introduces a digital Case Management and Referral System (CP-CMRS), which will help track individual cases and ensure timely interventions. Alongside this, a centralised Management Information System (MIS) will facilitate data collection, inter-agency coordination, and effective follow-ups.

Lastly, the policy establishes strong mechanisms for provincial and district-level coordination, with a focus on regular monitoring, transparent reporting, and accountability.