Swabi
\nThe Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inaugurated the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in District Swabi, marking a major step toward protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the provincial child protection system.
\nMr. Shakeel Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner Swabi, opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and reaffirming the district administration\u2019s commitment to safeguarding children\u2019s rights and ensuring timely support for those at risk.
\nHe highlighted that the CPU will serve as a dedicated hub for case management, referral, and coordination with education, health, police, and social welfare departments.
\nMr. Radoslaw Rzehak, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Peshawar, congratulated the KP government and commended Swabi\u2019s leadership in operationalizing the CPU.
\nHe emphasized UNICEF\u2019s continued partnership with the province to strengthen protection services, community engagement, and rapid response for children in distress.
\nMr. Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Chief Protection Officer, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection & Welfare Commission (KPCPWC), noted that Swabi has been a pioneer in child protection efforts since 2022, addressing cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. He called for strong inter-departmental collaboration so that no child remains unprotected.
\nMr. Sohail Ahmad, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF Peshawar, stressed the importance of integrated referral mechanisms, noting that issues like abuse and neglect are often identified in schools, health facilities, and police stations.
\nHe encouraged greater public awareness of the 1121 Child Protection Helpline to ensure children and families can access support quickly.
\nMs. Jennifer Melton, Chief of Child Protection, UNICEF Pakistan, applauded the KP government\u2019s commitment to building a sustainable, system-driven response for child protection.
\nShe noted that the province has shown vision and leadership by pioneering the Child Protection and Welfare Act 2010 and expanding CPUs to reach vulnerable children.
\nJennifer emphasized that preventing abuse and responding early requires strong community structures, empowered local actors, and close coordination with schools, health facilities, and law enforcement.
\nHis Excellency Mr. Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education & Women Empowerment Department, delivered the keynote address. He reaffirmed the government\u2019s commitment to an integrated, whole-of-government approach where education, health, police, and social welfare work together to protect every child.
\n\u201cOur vision is a province where every child grows up safe, protected, and able to thrive. By expanding Child Protection Units and strengthening referral pathways like the 1121 Helpline, we are ensuring that no child is left unseen or unsupported,\u201d the Minister stated.
\nHe thanked UNICEF and all partner organizations for their technical and strategic support, emphasizing that the provincial government will continue to expand CPUs across all districts and empower community structures to act as the first line of defense for children at risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Swabi The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa inaugurated the Child Protection Unit (CPU) in District Swabi, marking a major step toward protecting vulnerable children and strengthening the provincial child protection system. Mr. Shakeel Ahmad, Additional Deputy Commissioner Swabi, opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and reaffirming the district administration\u2019s commitment to safeguarding children\u2019s rights and ensuring […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":508230,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-508236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-peshawar"],"yoast_head":"\n