NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / TELECAST / BROADCAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 20TH NOVEMBER, 2018 PR No. 102 Message from Imran Khan Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan (On the occasion of Universal Children’s Day 20th November 2018) Islamabad: November 19, 2018

Our children are the future of Pakistan. While joining the international community in celebrating this day, Pakistan reaffirms its firm pledge to accord top priority to the protection, rights and inclusive development of all children in the country. Pakistan was one of the six initiators of the World Summit for Children in 1990 and took the lead in signing and ratifying the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). Pakistan has also ratified ILO Convention 182 on the Elimination of Worst Form of Child Labour, and signed optional protocols to the CRC on the involvement of children in armed conflict and on the sale of children, child prostitution and pornography. The protection of the rights of children is guided by Islamic injunctions and is also enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. The Government is working on a comprehensive plan to address issues of malnutrition, stunted growth of the children, provision of quality healthcare, education facilities and the required opportunities to excel in life. The present Government has also initiated various programmes which address child labour, vagrancy and access to juvenile justice. The expansion of social safety nets, provision of clean drinking water and tackling climate change are also amongst priority areas set by the Pakistan Tekreek-e-Insaf. The Government is working hard to build an Islamic welfare state where rights of the children are protected without any discrimination. I call upon the corporate sector, media, parents and society to come forward and play their role for the protection of child rights. I am glad to note that the Ministry of Human Rights is making efforts for the protection and promotion of child rights, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders. I urge Federal Ministries and Provincial Governments to undertake necessary legislative, administrative and social sector reforms to create an enabling environment for the children of our country. May Allah guide us in this noble cause-Aameen. ***** NOT TO BE PUBLISHED / TELECAST / BROADCAST BEFORE THE MORNING OF 20TH NOVEMBER, 2018 ?

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