November 20, 2008	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 21, 1429

PESHAWAR, Nov 19: NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti on Wednesday launched the Child Abuse Prevention Campaign in the province.

The event was arranged by the social welfare and women development department at a local hotel. Sitara Imran, provincial minister for social welfare and women development, other provincial ministers, members of the provincial assembly and officials of non-governmental organisations attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister appealed to government, semi-government and non-governmental organisations to participate in the campaign. He said it was their collective responsibility to create awareness among the masses regarding the hazardous effects of child abuse in the society.

“We should play our part in making the campaign a success in order to develop a strong and safe society for our children.

“Our government, besides taking measures for prevention of children abuse, will also work for making legislations in this connection,” he said.

Mr Hoti said protection to children was their social responsibility and his government would fulfil its responsibility towards providing children with better health, education, recreation and other facilities.

He also appreciated the endeavours and services of the provincial social welfare department in this regard.

Mr Hoti said the world celebrated the Universal Children’s Day to promote awareness about prevention of child’s physical, social and financial abuse. He added that children were the precious assets and future of any nation and no nation could overlook its future.

The chief minister took keen interest in stalls displayed by NGOs highlighting the subject. He met organisers of the stalls, who apprised him about their activities regarding prevention of child abuse.

He lauded the services of NGOs engaged in far-off areas of the province in providing facilities to children and women in the fields of health, education and other social sectors.

Mr Hoti also talked to children on this occasion and discussed with them their problems.

COLLEGE MEETING: The chief minister presided over the 29th meeting of the board of governors of the Fazle Haq College, Mardan, at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Wednesday.

Matters relating to promotion of the standard of education of the college and bringing its infrastructure in line with the rules and regulations, besides fulfilling requirements of the college’s administration and teaching staff, came under discussion.

The meeting deliberated upon a 17-point agenda and thoroughly discussed all its clauses.

Mr Hoti praised the role of the college in promotion of quality education in the province and credited the college’s administration in this connection.

He also stressed the need for making affairs of the college transparent and on merit.

He directed for presenting a report about financial matters of the college at the next meeting of the board of governors after seeking opinion from the board’s finance committee.

He also directed formation of a committee for formulating rules and regulations for appointments and promotions in the college.