Ayesha Mumtaz discusses law and order, child safety measures; delegation briefed on “Good Touch, Bad Touch” awareness campaign

LAHORE, September 9 (Nazrana Times): A delegation from UNICEF Islamabad visited the Punjab Home Department on Wednesday and held discussions with Additional Secretary for Foreign National Security Ayesha Mumtaz on the province’s law and order situation and ongoing measures aimed at protecting children.
The UNICEF delegation comprised Sud Ahmed Abdullah and Muhammad Khalid Irfan. Deputy Secretary Muhammad Murtaza, Deputy Secretary Jamal Fazeel and Muhammad Asadullah Gondal were also present during the meeting.
Speaking to the delegation, Ayesha Mumtaz said the protection of women and children remained among the Punjab government’s key priorities.
She said Punjab had introduced a comprehensive Child Protection Policy aimed at safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring access to protection and support services.
According to the briefing, vulnerable children are being provided safe shelter, food, education and healthcare facilities, along with psychological and legal assistance where required.
Ayesha Mumtaz said protecting children from exploitation was a responsibility of the state and that those found involved in abusing or exploiting children should be dealt with in accordance with the law.

UNICEF Delegation Visits Digital Media Cell

The UNICEF delegation also visited the Digital Media and Public Outreach Cell of the Punjab Home Department, where Director Public Relations Tauseef Sabeeh Gondal briefed the visitors on public-awareness initiatives being carried out for child protection.
The delegation was given a presentation on the “Haya and Bahadur” cartoon series, which has been developed to help children understand personal safety in an age-appropriate and accessible way.
Officials said the Punjab Home Department is also running a “Good Touch, Bad Touch” awareness campaign designed to help children recognise inappropriate physical behaviour and understand when they should seek help from a trusted adult.
Through animated content, children are encouraged to speak to their parents, teachers or other trusted adults if they experience behaviour that makes them feel unsafe or uncomfortable.
The briefing stressed that timely education and awareness can help children recognise unsafe situations and report them appropriately.
Parents and teachers were also encouraged to create an environment in which children feel comfortable speaking about concerns related to their personal safety.

Awareness in Primary School Curriculum Under Consideration

The delegation was further informed that the Punjab Home Department is working on measures to incorporate age-appropriate personal-safety awareness into the primary school curriculum.
Officials said the objective is to provide children with basic knowledge about personal boundaries and safety from an early age.
The Home Department believes that such awareness initiatives can play an important role in preventing abuse and exploitation by helping children recognise unsafe behaviour and seek assistance promptly.
The UNICEF delegation appreciated the Punjab government’s efforts and initiatives aimed at strengthening child protection and public awareness.