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ISLAMABAD, Jan 8: Pakistan is celebrating the first National Children’s Day on Thursday, the birth anniversary of the late Hakim Mohammad Said, in recognition of his services for the country in general and the children in particular.
Late Hakim Muhammad Said’s contribution to the physical, mental, psychological, social, spiritual and intellectual development of children started almost fifty years ago when he introduced monthly magazine for them named “Hamdard Naunehal”.
The commitment continued for half a century throughout his life and included the initiation of the children’s assemblies to provide them with an opportunity to develop self-confidence and leadership qualities.
Hakim Said also introduced the Children’s Health Conference, which coincides with WHO’s World Health Day. It was with similar commitment that Hakim Said established ‘Madinat-al-Hikmah’, a city of education, science and culture, and a series of educational institutions starting with Hamdard Public School and going up to the Hamdard University.
UNICEF: The Unicef reaffirms its commitment and support to the children of Pakistan and will continue to work for safeguarding their rights and promoting an environment conducive to their development.
This was stated by Carroll C. Long, UNICEF country representative, in a statement issued here on Wednesday, on the occasion of the first National Children’s Day being observed on Thursday.
Complimenting the efforts of the Government of Pakistan for highlighting the issues concerning the children, Ms Long said the Unicef had a country programme designed to allocate its resources to achieving results for children in five priority areas, which include quality primary education for girls and boys, promotion of an integrated early childhood development ensuring the best possible start in life for every child, protection against disease, exploitation, violence and abuse and combating the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Ms Long further said gains for the children in these priority areas will contribute significantly towards full realisation of their rights, and progress in one area would contribute to progress in others.
She eulogised the services of late Hakim Mohammad Saeed and the Hamdard Foundation for the cause of children in Pakistan and said that observance of the National Children’s Day was recognition of the efforts of all individuals and organisations working in the area of child rights in Pakistan.
