Deputy Commissioner orders better care for children at CPWB Lahore

What happened

Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz visited the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) Lahore on Saturday to review the standard of facilities there. According to the Associated Press of Pakistan, his review covered accommodation, food, education and training. The report says he inspected various wards and the nursery. The text then breaks off while describing a play area, so the rest of the visit is not available in the material provided. The same report’s headline says the DC orders improved care, education and healthcare for children at the bureau.

Chief Officer Metropolitan Corporation Lahore Kaleem Yousaf, Assistant Commissioner Shalimar Rabia Altaf and representatives of allied departments accompanied him during the visit.

Separately, CPWB Chairperson Sarah Ahmad said on Sunday, in a special message for International Day of the Girl Child, observed on October 11, that ensuring education, protection, proper upbringing and empowerment of girls was a shared responsibility, as reported by The Nation. She called for a safe environment, quality education and equal opportunities for every girl. She said every girl had the right to raise her voice, make her own decisions and pursue her aspirations with confidence and dignity.

Sarah Ahmad expressed concern over incidents of newborn girls being abandoned. She said early marriages posed a major obstacle to girls’ education and bright future, and she termed legislation against child marriage an important step towards protecting girls’ rights. She stressed that girls should be empowered rather than deprived of educational opportunities.

On online safety, she said awareness about digital security was needed to protect girls from online threats. She urged parents and teachers to educate girls about potential online risks and guide them on how to stay safe in the digital environment. She also encouraged girls to believe in their abilities, work hard to achieve their dreams, face challenges with courage and never lose hope.

Who is affected

The Associated Press of Pakistan reports that the DC’s visit concerned orphaned, destitute and vulnerable children residing at CPWB Lahore. The chairperson’s message, as reported by The Nation, is addressed to girls in general and covers their education, protection and equal opportunities.