Islamabad, 11 February 2026: The Children’s Convention 2026, convened by the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights under Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan in partnership with Anthro Insights at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, brought together parliamentarians, civil society, educationists and children from across Pakistan to press for stronger Child Rights, digital safety and climate resilience.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan opened the convention stressing that children are the nation’s most valuable asset and called for effective, inclusive and cross-party legislative commitment to protect and nurture young citizens. She reaffirmed the caucus resolve to advance child-centred policies through sustained collaboration between federal and provincial stakeholders.
Barrister Aqeel Malik, Minister of State for Law & Justice, commended children for their articulate participation and underscored Pakistan’s commitment to a safe digital ecosystem that preserves digital freedoms. He highlighted the need to tackle cyberbullying, misuse of artificial intelligence and the spread of mis- and disinformation through legislation, oversight and comprehensive policy frameworks.
Danyal Chaudhary, Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Broadcasting, said the government aims to build shields not walls to protect children online while ensuring access to knowledge. He warned about deepfakes and manipulated content and advocated IT-based education to help children distinguish fact from fabrication. He also referenced the Cyber Agahi Programme and the role of provinces after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, along with measures such as watermarking AI-generated content and investment in youth technology skills.
Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change, urged equipping youth with AI and digital skills and encouraged responsible technology use. She stressed that small individual measures like conserving energy and reducing plastic use contribute to wider climate resilience and highlighted the She Power Programme in Balochistan to support healthcare access for underprivileged girls.
Participating children raised urgent concerns about socio-economic wellbeing, mental health, access to quality healthcare and education, and protection from violence and exploitation. Children from climate-affected areas including Tharparkar described heat-related illnesses, frequent power shortages in schools and the need for sustainable energy, clean drinking water and a healthier environment as basic elements of Child Rights.
Nabeela Ayoub Khan, convenor of the Child Rights Caucus of the AJK Assembly, called for inclusive frameworks and stronger coordination among Parliament, provincial assemblies and legislative bodies to ensure technological advances benefit all children. She drew attention to children in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir who face denial of basic human rights and restricted access to education, urging greater digital advocacy for their right to schooling and dignity.
Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as a pioneer for women and children and encouraged youth to learn the Constitution and actively claim their rights. Seema Khurram stressed collective responsibility to secure equal opportunities in education and healthcare, while Kiran Haider highlighted the role of teachers and the potential of children in Balochistan, calling for increased investment in education and health. Former MNA Zamurd Khan praised the caucus for fostering national collaboration on child welfare.
The convention concluded with a call for a unified national approach to uphold Child Rights through legislative action, sustained investment in digital and climate resilience, and inclusive education policies that ensure every child in Pakistan grows up safe, healthy and able to fulfil their potential.
