Under the leadership of Advisor to the Chief Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Development, Malik Liaqat Ali, the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and UNICEF have agreed to further expand and strengthen their collaboration for the protection, welfare, and development of children, as well as support for vulnerable communities across the province.
Delegation Meeting at Civil Secretariat
A UNICEF delegation, led by Resolu Redick, met with Malik Liaqat Ali Khan at the Civil Secretariat in Peshawar. The meeting focused on enhancing child protection mechanisms, social welfare initiatives, and community-based support systems to ensure a safer and more inclusive environment for children. The meeting was attended by Secretary Social Welfare, Special Education and Women Development Sharif Hussain, Chief of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission Ijaz Muhammad Khan, along with other senior officials.
Progress in Child Protection
During the briefing, participants were informed about the significant progress achieved in the child protection sector with UNICEF’s support. UNICEF’s technical assistance was acknowledged as instrumental in the development of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection Policy and the regulatory framework for Child Care Institutions.
Government Commitment
Speaking on the occasion, Malik Liaqat appreciated UNICEF’s longstanding partnership and valuable contributions towards safeguarding children’s rights, strengthening social welfare services, and supporting vulnerable segments of society. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to utilizing all available resources to provide children with a safe, secure, and nurturing environment.
Consensus on Key Initiatives
The meeting also reached a consensus on strengthening family and community support systems, improving the delivery of protective services, expanding District Child Protection Units, enhancing the capacity of social welfare institutions, and ensuring integrated services for children at risk.
UNICEF’s Reaffirmed Support
The UNICEF delegation reiterated its commitment to further deepening cooperation with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, emphasizing that an effective child protection system is essential for building a brighter and more prosperous future for society.
Future Joint Initiatives
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to broaden joint initiatives aimed at promoting children’s rights, protection, education, and overall well-being, ensuring that every child in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has access to a safe, dignified, and promising future.
