On 30 and 31 December 2025 the Pakistan National Council of the Arts partnered with Secours Islamique France to present puppet shows and panel discussions in Islamabad for 900 marginalized and orphan children and their mothers as part of an ongoing child protection programme launched in 2021.
Using puppetry as a communication tool, organisers addressed child protection topics including the rights and responsibilities of children and parents, safe use of digital devices, prevention of abuse, and the importance of sharing concerns with elders. The sessions also touched on cybercrime awareness, mental health support and the need for equal educational opportunities for girls and boys, highlighting the role of parents in safeguarding children’s mental and physical well being.
The National Puppet Theatre staged stories such as Meena Ki Kahani, Roshni Ka Naya Sawera and Babu Aur Pappu to illustrate girls’ education, saying no to strangers, protection from abuse and cyber safety. Popular puppet hosts Kiran and Ali engaged children throughout the performances, prompting interactive responses and reinforcing child protection messages in a relatable way.
The programme drew an encouraging response from attendees and received wide appreciation from community representatives and caregivers. PNCA said it will continue to champion puppetry for social awareness and called on public and private organisations working in education, health, social welfare and child and women’s rights to collaborate in building a safer, better informed society for children across Pakistan.
