Lahore to be transformed into "Child Friendly City", MoU signed

In a major step towards realizing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision of a “Safe Punjab,” a

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th May, 2026) In a major step towards realizing Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s vision of a “Safe Punjab,” a

landmark initiative has been launched to transform Lahore into Pakistan’s first “Child-Friendly City.”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Lahore Development Authority and the UNICEF Pakistan to promote child-centered urban development.

The agreement was formally signed by Director General LDA Tahir Farooq and UNICEF Pakistan Representative Pernille Ironside.

The ceremony was attended by Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan as chief guest, along with Provincial Minister for Primary Health Khawaja Imran Nazir. Other notable participants included LDA Vice Chairman Mian Marghoob Ahmed, Chairperson Punjab Women Protection Authority Hina Parvez Butt, Chairperson Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Sarah Ahmad, and Chairperson Punjab Social Protection Authority Jehan Ara Wattoo. UNICEF Punjab Chief Field Officer Behbudov Rameez also attended the event.

Children from LDA Schools presented a performance highlighting the importance of making Lahore a safer city for children.

Speaking on the occasion, Mian Marghoob Ahmed said that under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s leadership, Lahore would be transformed into a child-friendly city, adding that the MoU would ensure provision of dedicated facilities for children. He termed the agreement a historic milestone and congratulated both the LDA

and the UNICEF.

DG LDA Tahir Farooq described the agreement as a significant breakthrough, stating that it aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals.

He added that both organizations would jointly develop and implement a local action plan focused on children’s well-being.

UNICEF Representative Pernille Ironside emphasized that children are not just a sector but the foundation of a nation’s future. She noted that with over 40 percent of Pakistan’s population comprising children, the partnership marks the beginning of a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring children’s safety, development, and empowerment through inclusive and responsive urban planning.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan termed the initiative a historic step, stressing that safe and inclusive cities are the need of the hour. He highlighted that urban development must go beyond infrastructure and focus on children’s secure future. He also underscored the importance of data-driven policymaking, climate resilience, and investment in children as a foundation for economic growth.

The MoU outlines commitments to create safe and inclusive urban spaces, integrate children’s rights, equality, and participation into city planning, and promote involvement of youth and communities in decision-making. Key focus areas include road safety, environmental sustainability, climate resilience, housing, and improvement of water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure.

The agreement also emphasizes collaboration with civil society, academia, private sector, and media. A joint working group will be established to review progress, while performance will be monitored through a results-based framework.

Senior LDA officials, including the Additional DG, Chief Engineer, Chief Town Planners, and directors from various departments, were also present at the ceremony held in a local hotel.