Lahore to become region’s first child-friendly city; UNICEF to issue certification

Lahore is set to be declared the region’s first "Child-Friendly City," as the UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) will formally issue a certificate recognising the provincial capital as a safe and supportive environment for children

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 28th Apr, 2026) Lahore is set to be declared the region’s first "Child-Friendly City," as the UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) will formally issue a certificate recognising the provincial capital as a safe and supportive environment for children.

A spokesperson for Home Department said on Tuesday that the development came under discussion during a meeting between Punjab Secretary Home, Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, and UNICEF Chief Field Officer Ramez Behbudov, along with other senior officials.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said that Punjab was the first province in Pakistan to approve a comprehensive child protection policy aimed at safeguarding children’s rights. He added that protection of women and children remained among the top priorities of the provincial government.

He said a zero-tolerance policy was being implemented against violence, abuse and exploitation of children, while the Home Department was also running awareness campaigns such as “Good Touch, Bad Touch.

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The secretary said the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) was providing shelter, food, education, healthcare, as well as psychological and legal assistance to children in need.

He further said that 19 new child protection units were in the final stages of completion, which would increase their total number to 36 across the province. He reiterated that the Punjab government was committed to establishing a safe and dignified society for children.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramez Behbudov appreciated the initiatives taken by the Punjab government, stating that the measures for protection of women and children were exemplary. He also highlighted the significance of the “Zewar-e-Taleem” programme, which had contributed to increased school enrolment of girls.

He expressed pleasure over visiting Lahore, noting that Lahore and his hometown Nakhchivan were twin cities.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) for declaring Lahore as the region’s first “Child-Friendly City” would be signed in the first week of May, added spokesperson.