Children raise issues at KP Assembly’s ‘special session’

PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly hosted a parliamentary session exclusively for children, allowing them to voice their demands, hopes, and dreams for a brighter future.

The UNICEF had organised the session in an effort to empower the next generation.

Speaker Babar Saleem Swati addressed the young parliamentarians, emphasising the importance of protecting children’s rights and providing them with quality education, healthcare, and social services.

He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of former Prime Minister Imran Khan towards children’s rights and welfare.

“Today, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting children’s rights and providing them with quality healthcare, education, clean water, and protection from violence and exploitation,” he stated.

Radoslaw Rzehak, UNICEF chief field officer in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said that UNICEF’s mission was to ensure all children had access to essential services.

She hailed the session and hoped that would help empower the next generation to engage in decision-making processes shaping their future.

“ One child representative expressed: “We want our voices heard, our rights protected, and our dreams realized.”

KP Assembly Deputy Speaker Suriya Bibi, members of the House, officers from the KP Elementary Education Department, and other relevant officials also attended the session to encourage and support the children’s assembly.

To mark the day, the landmarks in Peshawar, including the KP Provincial Assembly, Islamia College, Peshawar Museum, Education Directorate, and Agriculture Services Building, were illuminated in blue.

Ashrafuddin Pirzada adds from Landikotal: Iqra Islamic Institute in Landikotal arranged a function to promote child rights as part of the celebration of World Children’s Day.

The event brought together government officials, community leaders, teachers, parents and children to emphasize the importance of protecting and promoting the rights of children.

The guests included Additional Assistant Commissioner of Landikotal, Rameez Ali Shah, Polio Communication Officer Said Afzal Shinwari, Tehsil Chairman, Shah Khalid Shinwari, elected representatives and others.