ISLAMABAD: Child Protection Bureau Punjab Chairperson Sarah Ahmad has become the first woman in the nation to be honoured with the prestigious `Pakistan`s International Woman of Courage Award` presented by US Ambassador Donald Blome.

`This accolade recognises Sarah Ahmad`s unwavering bravery, dedication and leadership in safeguarding the children of Pakistan,` read a press release issued here.

It said Sarah Ahmad`s remarkable journey spanned five years of fearless advocacy, from confronting criminal networks exploiting child beggary to leading legal actions against perpetrators of child abuse.

Her tireless efforts have earned her the Tamgha-i-Imtiaz from the government, in addition to representing the country at the United Nations on Child Rights.

Expressing her gratitude, Ms Ahmad, who is also member of the Punjab Assembly (MPA), acknowledged the invaluable support of state institutions of Pakistan, her team and stakeholders who had stood beside her in this critical mission.

She said this recognition by the US government was a testament to their seriousness about grass root issues in Pakistan and she believed that Pakistan could further prosper by building stronger ties with the United States. With a commitment to shielding vulnerable children from exploitation and neglect, she pledged to continue her efforts to rescue, rehabilitate and reunify thousands of young lives.

The press release said the Child Protection Bureau Punjab under the supervision of Sarah Ahmad had rescued and rehabilitated thousands of abuse victims and child beggars, facilitated the adoption of over 100 abandoned infants into loving families, and successfully reunited numerous lost children with their loved ones in the last Eve years.

The press release further stated that currently she was looking after 1,000 plus children across Punjab in protection bureau`s centres.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2024