ISLAMABAD, Nov 19: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Monday that the government’s policy for the protection of rights of children is guided by Islamic injunctions, also enshrined in the Constitution.

In a message on the Universal Children Day, the president said he wished to create a congenial environment where every child had the opportunity to grow, develop and enrich his/her evolving capacities to the fullest possible extent without any kind of discrimination.

He said: “It gives me immense pleasure to note that the Universal Children Day is being celebrated on Nov 20, 2001, in Pakistan to express our determination, hope and sincere commitment for the children of Pakistan and the world. While celebrating this important event, Pakistan reiterates its firm commitment made to ensure survival, protection and development of our own children.

“ Our government’s policy for the protection of the rights of children is guided by Islamic injunctions, also enshrined in the Constitution. We wish to create a congenial environment where every child has the opportunity to grow, develop and enrich his/her evolving capacities to the fullest possible extent without any kind of discrimination.

“ The government has taken a number of initiatives for ensuring protection of rights of the child. This priority has duly been reflected in the current three-year Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) and ten-year perspective plan covering various crucial areas of concern.

“ It is an essential investment for the future wherein we as a nation, contribute to the development of our greatest resource — our children.”—APP