HYDERABAD: The Sindh government has initiated several programmes for children’s welfare and is making efforts to introduce effective legislation aimed at securing future of children.
This was stated by MPA Qasim Siraj Soomro while speaking at a consultative session organised by Unesco in the Tharparkar District Council Hall on Tuesday.
The event titled ‘Child-friendly Communities’, was organised in collaboration with Sindh government, elected representatives, partner organisations and UN agencies.
MPA Soomro said that important measures were being taken to prevent child marriages, eliminate forced labour and protect children from harassment, besides other initiatives for their rights and welfare.
Unicef, Sindh govt pledge to promote ‘Child-friendly Communities’ programme
He lauded the collaboration between Unicef and development partners for better future of children in Tharparkar.
He pledged that Sindh government would continue its efforts to ensure better health, nutrition, child protection, education, Wash and environment, social and behavioural change and well-being of children.
Tharparkar Deputy Commissioner Abdul Halim Jagirani also appreciated Unicef’s efforts in this regard. He said that four UCs of this district had been selected for the child-friendly community programme, and requested Unicef to expand such initiatives across the district so that children throughout Tharparkar could benefit from it.
He said the programme provides a common platform for local government, relevant departments, educational institutions, civil society, the private sector and philanthropists to work towards a shared objective of ensuring a safe, protective and child-friendly environment.
He said that the consultative meeting was an important step towards strengthening cooperation among stakeholders.
He added although livestock remains primary source of livelihood for people of Tharparkar. The district administration would extend its full cooperation to such programmes, he said.
Tharparkar District Council Chairman Dr Ghulam Haider also spoke.
Unicef Sindh’s Chief Field Officer Prem Bahadur Chand and Mohammad Asim gave a briefing on the programme and Rizwan Ahmed, a Social & Behavioural Change Officer, moderated the event.
Chairpersons of various UCs attended meeting. Representatives of local government, health department and Emergency and Health Services shared information about the initiatives related to mental health, schools and communities.
The participants showed their commitments on a ‘Pledge Board’ expressing collective resolve to protect children, promote their rights and improve their overall well-being.
Published in Dawn, August 12th, 2026
