Students at the Khushal School in Mingora, Swat.—File Photo
Students at the Khushal School in Mingora, Swat.—File Photo

According to the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP), an estimated 103 million Pakistanis, or 63 per cent of the population, fall under the age of 25 years.  This remains an important reason why the landmark resolution on the theme "Adolescents and Youth", passed in New York during the 45th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD), will play an important role in Pakistan.

The resolution highlights measures to protect sexual and reproductive health and rights of adolescents and youth globally.

A delegation of five people from Pakistan attended CPD. During the negotiation, the Pak Mission in UN was represented by Suljuk Tarar (Counsellor).

Amongst many other important points, the resolution specifies that human rights include the right to have control over and decide freely on matters related to sexuality, including sexual and reproductive health.

It also lays emphasis on strengthening reproductive health services by prioritizing sexual and reproductive health, including family planning, safe abortion (where legal) maternity care, STI and HIV prevention and treatment.

Most importantly it calls for the elimination of harmful practices such as early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and other violations of girls and women's rights.

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