KP moves to reform child protection rules 2016 for stronger safeguards

PESHAWAR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Apr, 2026) The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, with the support of UNICEF, held a consultation workshop here to review and reform the Child Protection Rules 2016 aimed at strengthening child protection systems across the province.

The workshop brought together representatives from key government departments including Social Welfare, Health, Education, Police, Labour, Prison, Prosecution, and Local Government, along with technical experts and development partners to discuss reforms needed to make child protection rules more practical, responsive, and child-centered.

Speaking at the event, Additional Secretary Social Welfare, Special education and Women Empowerment Department, Umarah Khan, said the Child Protection Rules 2016 had laid a strong foundation for safeguarding children, but changing challenges now require updated measures aligned with present-day realities and best practices.

He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence while ensuring access to a safe and supportive environment.

Participants stressed that child protection is a shared responsibility requiring stronger coordination among all departments.

They highlighted the need to improve implementation mechanisms, referral pathways, inter-agency coordination, and institutional responses for children in need of care and protection.

Head of Child Protection at UNICEF Peshawar, Bushra Ajmal, reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued partnership with the provincial government and said strong child protection systems depend on practical implementation, effective coordination, and sustained commitment from all stakeholders.

She noted that the recommendations from the workshop would help create a stronger and more responsive framework for protecting children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Chief of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, Ijaz Muhammad Khan, shared that recommendations from the consultation would be compiled with UNICEF’s support before being presented to the Technical Working Group, followed by the Executive board and later the provincial cabinet for final approval.

A provincial launch of the reformed child protection rules is also planned after formal approval.

The workshop concluded with a joint commitment from government departments and development partners to accelerate reforms and strengthen child protection systems in the best interests of children across the province.