The Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) launched a campaign titled “Child Protection Is Everyone’s Responsibility” during a multi-stakeholder dialogue at Fatima Jinnah Women University on 13 October. Barrister Danyal Chaudhry, the Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting, attended the event to discuss institutional engagement in tackling child protection challenges.
Chaudhry specifically noted the importance of public awareness regarding emerging risks children face in digital spaces. MPA Sarah Ahmed, Chairperson of the Punjab Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, spoke about using provincial institutions to prevent exploitation and improve response mechanisms for vulnerable children.
MNA Asiya Naz Tanoli joined the dialogue to underscore that protecting children's rights requires shared responsibility and stronger institutional support. Other attendees included MPAs Tahira Mushtaq, Tehseen Fawad, and Riffat Abbasi, alongside Dr Adeela, Head of the FJWU Department of Sociology.
Mushtaq called for effective policies and timely reporting mechanisms to strengthen safeguarding in communities, while Dr Adeela emphasized that schools must create environments where students can study without fear of violence or abuse. Heads from 100 public and private schools participated in the session, which also featured a presentation by Director of Quality Assurance Maryam Jawad on promoting collective responsibility.
Syed Kausar Abbas, Executive Director of the SSDO, stated that protecting children requires sustained and coordinated action by government institutions, schools, families and civil society. Abbas added that the organisation plans to engage parliamentarians through provincial assemblies and Parliamentary Caucuses on Child Rights of the National Assembly and Senate to bolster legislative support.
