LAHORE: The Lahore Development Authority (LDA) and Unicef Pakistan on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to transform the provincial metropolis into a “child-friendly city” under the global Child Friendly Cities Initiative (CFCI), marking a significant step towards promoting children’s rights and inclusive urban development.

The MoU-signing ceremony was attended by foreign dignitaries, provincial ministers and representatives from various civil society organisations, reflecting broad-based support for the initiative.

The event also featured performances by children, who highlighted the challenges they faced in Lahore and shared their expectations for a safer, more inclusive and responsive urban environment.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, who was the chief guest, termed the initiative imperative yet complex, and said that with the support of Punjab chief minister, the vision of a child-friendly Lahore could be realised.

He appreciated Unicef Pakistan and the LDA for undertaking, what he described as a landmark initiative.

Officials said the initiative aims to integrate child-centred urban planning into policies, infrastructure development and service delivery systems, ensuring children have equitable access to safe public spaces, education, mobility and protection services.

UNFPA: United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) are working on drafting rules under the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2026.

The draft will be shared with the local government department for consideration and deliberation, and the consultative process will also include religious scholars (Ulema) to ensure broader consensus.

The Punjab Assembly has also directed the local government department to submit the rules of the Act at the earliest.

Earlier, Unicef Pakistan Representative Pernille Ironside visited the CPWB headquarters and presented a letter of appreciation to Chairperson Sarah Ahmad for her role in the enactment of the Punjab Child Marriage Restraint Act, 2026.

Ms Ironside termed the legislation a historic milestone for child rights, adolescent girls’ empowerment and gender equality in Punjab, and acknowledged the leadership and efforts that contributed to building legislative consensus for the reform.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2026