By Hina Kiyani
ISLAMABAD: A UNICEF delegation Thursday called on Deputy Speaker of National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah at Parliament House. The meeting focused on child rights, education, health and protection.
The deputy speaker welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed that the well-being, protection and future of children remain a top national priority. He said that children form a significant part of Pakistan’s population and stressed that national progress is closely linked with investments in their education, health and development.
Highlighting key challenges, the deputy speaker said millions of children still face barriers in accessing quality education, healthcare and nutritionHe called for ensuring that every child is in school, protected from violence and exploitation and provided with essential services. Mustafa Shah also said progress in polio eradication efforts, crediting sustained vaccination campaigns and strong institutional coordination, while stressing the need for continued vigilance. He further highlighted childhood lead exposure as a serious public health concern, noting its irreversible effects on cognitive development and long-term health and economic outcomes.
Mustafa Shah emphasized the need to address sources of exposure, including industrial emissions, informal recycling, lead-based paints and contaminated consumer products.
The UNICEF delegation appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in improving child welfare, particularly in immunization and polio eradication.
They emphasized continued investment in education, nutrition, child protection and environmental health, and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to support Pakistan through technical assistance and field-level interventions.
The deputy speaker appreciated UNICEF’s continued support and reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to strengthening legislation, oversight, and coordination to ensure better outcomes for children.
Convener Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), MNA Dr. Nikhat Shakeel also joined the meeting virtually and appreciated UNICEF’s engagement in advancing child rights, reaffirming the Caucus’s commitment to strengthening related legislative and policy efforts.
The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to further strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and UNICEF for the protection, education, and well-being of children.
