MUZAFFARABAD: A child rights caucus would soon be formed in the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) to strengthen parliamentary engagement in child protection laws, improve access to education, and combat child labour and exploitation.
This assurance was given by Legislative Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Latif Akbar, who is currently serving as AJK’s acting president, to a delegation of the National Assembly’s Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), which called on him at the President’s Secretariat on Thursday for a detailed discussion on women’s empowerment and the eradication of child labour.
The delegation was led by PCCR Convener Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA, and included MNAs Asiya Naz Tanoli, Sofia Saeed Shah, Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada, Dr Shaista Khan Jadoon, and Raza Hussain Qazi, a director at the non-governmental organization Save the Children.
The PCCR delegation provided insights into the legislation and initiatives undertaken in Pakistan to promote women’s empowerment and combat child labour.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr Akbar termed their visit a commendable initiative.
He informed them of the ongoing efforts at all levels in AJK to empower women and asserted that no society could progress without ensuring women’s rights and their ability to make fundamental life decisions.
“Recognizing women’s political and social status while guaranteeing equal opportunities, particularly in education and healthcare, is essential,” he said. “Fortunately, women’s representation in various fields across the liberated territory is steadily increasing, which is a highly positive development,” he added.
Regarding child labour, the acting president pointed out that Pakistan had ratified several international conventions on its eradication.
However, while relevant laws were in place and being enforced to some extent, there was still room for further improvement to ensure both the elimination of child labour and the welfare of affected families, he said.
Mr Akbar endorsed the vision of National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for the formation of provincial and legislative caucuses to ensure collective action and decision-making for the well-being of children.
He said the child rights caucus in the AJK Legislative Assembly would present a comprehensive report with recommendations for the most effective measures on the issue.
The meeting was attended by AJK’s Minister for Law Mian Abdul Waheed, Minister for Wildlife Sardar Javed Ayoub, Minister for Sports, Youth, and Culture Asim Sharif Butt, and Adviser for Services Ms Nisara Abbasi.
They affirmed their commitment to collaborating with PCCR and Save the Children in child rights advocacy, combating malnutrition, ensuring quality education and healthcare services, and implementing laws for child protection in the future.
Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2025
