The National Commission on the Rights of Child, in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, organized the launch ceremony of the State of Children in Pakistan Report 2025 and key child rights initiatives in Islamabad.
Federal Minister for Law & Justice and Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, attended the event as Chief Guest and reaffirmed the Government of Pakistan’s commitment to protecting and promoting the rights of children.
The Federal Minister appreciated the efforts of the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) for producing the second edition of the annual flagship report, describing it as an important evidence-based tool for strengthening accountability, policy response, and institutional coordination on child rights across Pakistan.
He stated that the Constitution of Pakistan, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and its Optional Protocols collectively place a binding responsibility on the State to protect and fulfil the rights of every child. He emphasized that these commitments are enforceable obligations owed to over 115 million children in the country.
The Minister highlighted that the report reflects a broader national shift toward strengthening systems for child protection and rights monitoring. He welcomed the launch of the National Child Rights Integrated Dashboard, aimed at improving real-time monitoring, case tracking, and inter-jurisdictional coordination, as well as child-friendly versions of key international commitments developed with children’s participation.
The Minister also highlighted important legislative and institutional developments, including the enactment of child marriage restraint laws in Islamabad Capital Territory, Baluchistan and the recent passage of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2026, establishing eighteen years as the minimum age of marriage for both boys and girls.
Referring to institutional reforms, the Minister noted that the notification of the National Mechanism for Reporting and Follow-up (NMRF) in January 2025 marked an important step toward improving coordination between federal and provincial governments in fulfilling Pakistan’s international human rights commitments.
Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar reiterated that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to working closely with all stakeholders, including parliamentarians, development partners, civil society, academia, and children themselves, to advance a safer, more inclusive, and rights-based future for every child in Pakistan.
