ISLAMABAD: Member of the Provincial Assembly Sarah Ahmad represented Pakistan at the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect’s (ISPCAN) conference on child rights in Melbourne this week.
Speaking at the conference, Ahmad highlighted Pakistan’s legislation and institutions working to improve child protection measures. She said the conference was a learning experience as she listened to experts share their insights.
Pakistan has established legal and institutional mechanisms for child protection at both the federal and provincial levels, including legislation in Punjab aimed at safeguarding children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm.
Ahmad is also the chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Punjab (CPWB). The bureau, established in 2004, provides care, education and training to destitute and neglected children.
Ahmad said participation in the ISPCAN conference allowed the delegation to engage with international experts and identify practical approaches to improve existing mechanisms in Pakistan, according to a statement from CPWB.
During the conference, the Pakistani delegation held discussions with international experts and exchanged views on strategies for preventing child abuse and neglect, strengthening institutional responses and ensuring safer environments for children.
“While there is a lot of improvement taking place through reforms in Pakistan, there is a lot of room for improvement,” Ahmad said, according to the CPWB statement.
The bureau also protects children from criminal activities and focuses on reunification with families. According to Ahmad, it saves millions of children every year in Pakistan.
The delegation examined international models and practical solutions from relevant global experiences and considered their application to Pakistan’s unique requirements.
The participation reflected Pakistan’s efforts to enhance its child protection framework through international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and the adoption of evidence-based practices, according to the CPWB.
Separately, Ahmad joined the 79th Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in Sydney as the chief guest.
Addressing the event, she encouraged the Pakistani diaspora to uphold their values and make their country proud by acting as positive ambassadors.