LAHORE: Punjab is the first province to approve a comprehensive Child Protection Policy for safeguarding the rights of children. Children are being provided safe shelter, food, education and healthcare facilities, along with psychological and legal assistance. Ensuring the safety of children and bringing those who exploit them to justice is a responsibility of the state.
This was stated by Additional Secretary Home for Foreigners National Security Ayesha Mumtaz during the meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), visited the Punjab Home Department. The participants held a detailed discussion on the overall law and order situation in the province and measures being taken for the protection and welfare of children.
The UNICEF delegation comprised Sidahmed Abdullah and Muhammad Khalid Irfan. Deputy Secretary Muhammad Murtaza, Deputy Secretary Jamal Fazil and Muhammad Asadullah Gondal were also present on the occasion.
Speaking to the delegation, Additional Secretary Foreign National Security Ayesha Mumtaz said that the protection of women and children is among the foremost priorities of the Chief Minister Punjab. The UNICEF delegation appreciated the measures taken by the Government of Punjab for the protection and welfare of children.
The delegation also visited the Digital Media and Public Outreach Cell of the Punjab Home Department. Director Public Relations Tauseef Sabih Gondal briefed the delegation on the “Haya and Bahadur” animated cartoon series developed to promote child protection awareness.
The delegation was informed that the Punjab Home Department is running a “Good Touch, Bad Touch” awareness campaign aimed at preventing sexual abuse of young children. Through the animated series, children are being sensitised to appropriate and inappropriate physical behaviour in an age-appropriate and effective manner.
The “Haya and Bahadur” cartoon series teaches children to recognise inappropriate physical behaviour and report it to their parents. With proper education and timely awareness, children can better identify inappropriate conduct and seek help. Parents and teachers are also being encouraged to educate children about how to report sexual abuse or exploitation, whether at home or outside.
The delegation was further informed that the Punjab Home Department was taking steps to incorporate awareness about “Good Touch, Bad Touch” into the curriculum of early-grade classes, enabling children to develop a basic understanding of personal safety from an early age. The Punjab Home Department’s awareness campaign is expected to play an important role in protecting children from abuse and sexual exploitation.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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