The Ministry of Human Rights, in partnership with UNICEF Pakistan, the National Commission on the Status of Women, the National Commission on the Rights of Child and the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, observed the International Day of the Girl Child under the global theme The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis. The forum highlighted the need to amplify girls voices and strengthen girls leadership across Pakistan.
Representatives from government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and youth advocates working on child rights and gender equality attended the event, using the platform to reaffirm collective commitment to advancing the empowerment, protection and participation of girls nationwide. Speakers stressed targeted investments in education, health and protection measures to ensure girls can exercise their rights.
Secretary Abdul Khalique Sheikh told attendees that girls are not passive beneficiaries but active agents of change who drive progress within their communities. He urged authorities and partners to listen to girls, invest in their leadership and remove barriers that impede their growth, emphasising that meaningful participation is central to sustainable development.
Officials noted that the Constitution guarantees equality before the law under Article 25 and ensures the protection of women and children under Article 35. Pakistan’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and relevant ILO Conventions on child labour was cited as the foundation of the national child protection framework and ongoing policy work.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to create an enabling environment where every girl can learn, lead and live with dignity. Through continued collaboration, legislative efforts and awareness initiatives, authorities and partners aim to recognise each girl’s potential, safeguard her rights and expand opportunities so her aspirations can be realised.
