RAWALPINDI: Provincial chief commissioner for children at the ombudsman office Tabana Sajjad Naseer has urged parents to enroll their children in educational institutions so that they can become responsible citizens and show the good face of society.

A meeting was held under the chairmanship of Ms Naseer regarding a campaign to create awareness about child protection at the regional office of the Punjab ombudsman in Rawalpindi.

The participants were briefed about child protection measures. It was stated that those found involved in violence on children or abusing them were punished under the law.

The duties of the chief provincial commissioner are to monitor issues related to child protection, to look closely at the violation of children’s rights by government agencies, redress grievances of children and provide prompt and effective justice to them. Helpline 1050 can be contacted in case of a child abuse or violation of their rights.

Complaints are decided within 30 to 45 days. Complainants are also sent SMS in Urdu on every complaint process.

Ms Naseer said protection of children is a common responsibility of all.

“We have to take children out of labour and enroll them in educational institutions so that tomorrow they can become responsible citizens and show the good face of society. We have to show that we are responsible citizens,” she said.

She said that it was our common responsibility to protect children not only as families but also as responsible citizens as per the societal requirements.

“Education is the fundamental right of children. There should be coordination between institutions. Everyone has to play their role,” she said.

Adviser Dr Jamal Yusuf along with officers from departments of labour, social welfare, health, education, police and representatives of NGOs participated in the meeting.

Dr Yusuf said that all institutions should ensure the safety of children. In this regard, awareness about laws should be ensured among the people so that such incidents can be avoided.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2023