Establishment of the Provincial Interfaith Child Protection Forum (ICPF), Punjab
Consultation Workshop – 18 February 2025
Ramadan Hotel, Lahore, Punjab
On 18 February 2025, Islamic Relief Pakistan in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan organized the Launch and Consultation Workshop of the Provincial Interfaith Child Protection Forum (ICPF) at Ramadan Hotel, Lahore.
As Executive Secretary of Peace Center, Lahore, Mr. Asher Nazir participated in this high-level interfaith consultation. The workshop was graced by distinguished guests and faith leaders including Mr. Asif Sherazi (Country Director, Islamic Relief Pakistan), Ms. Afshan Jamal, Mr. Azlan Butt (Child Protection Officer, UNICEF), Ms. Sarah Ahmad, Sardar Kalyan Singh, Pandit Baghat Lal Khokhar, Allama Asim Makhdoom, Hafiz Nauman Ahmad, Mr. Ben Warrington, Mr. Said Usman, Mr. Naukhez Khokhar, Amar Nath Randhawa, and other prominent representatives from diverse faith communities and institutions.
The Interfaith Child Protection Forum (ICPF) has been established as a collaborative platform to unite faith leaders, faith-based organizations, government departments, UN agencies, and civil society actors to protect children in Pakistan from all forms of harm and abuse, with particular emphasis on preventing child marriage.
While significant contributions have already been made by faith communities and stakeholders in the field of child protection, efforts have often remained fragmented and lacked synchronization. As a result, many stand-alone initiatives have not achieved sustainable or long-term impact. The establishment of ICPF aims to build synergy, promote coordination, and ensure cohesive and effective interventions at provincial and national levels.
During the workshop, Mr. Azlan Butt (Child Protection Officer, UNICEF) presented the child protection status in Punjab and Pakistan. Key highlights included:
• Children constitute approximately 47% of Pakistan’s total population (225 million, 2021 estimates).
• Only 34% of children under five years of age are registered at birth nationally.
• Approximately 50% of children suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.
• 56% of adolescent girls are anaemic.
• Between 80–89% of children aged 1–17 years experience physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers.
• Over 26 million school-aged children are out of school (Pakistan Institute of Education, 2023).
• Nearly 12.5 million children (approximately 16%) are engaged in child labour, many in hazardous conditions.
• Pakistan ranks 6th globally in terms of child marriage prevalence, despite legal restrictions prohibiting marriage below 18 years of age.
These statistics underline the urgent need for coordinated, community-based and faith-led action to protect children and safeguard their rights.
Mr. Asif Sherazi, Country Director of Islamic Relief Pakistan, emphasized that all major religions promote compassion, dignity, protection of the vulnerable, and particularly the safeguarding of children. Faith traditions provide moral and ethical guidance that can mobilize communities to prevent abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harmful practices such as child marriage.
Faith leaders hold influential positions within communities and can:
• Raise awareness about child rights and protection.
• Promote positive parenting practices.
• Provide emotional and spiritual support to children affected by trauma.
• Advocate for safe and protective environments in homes, schools, and communities.
The Interfaith Child Protection Forum (ICPF) will function as an advisory and coordinating body to:
• Strengthen interfaith collaboration on child protection.
• Support ongoing initiatives such as the BOLO Campaign for the prevention of child marriage.
• Promote awareness campaigns through faith institutions and leaders.
• Develop educational materials and community resources.
• Conduct or support research on child protection challenges.
• Advocate for child protection priorities within legislative and policy frameworks.
• Ensure adequate funding, enforcement, and representation of diverse faith communities in policymaking forums.
By adopting a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach, ICPF aims to address child protection challenges at institutional, structural, and community levels, ensuring lasting and sustainable impact.
Recognition
At the conclusion of the workshop, Mr. Asher Nazir, Executive Secretary of Peace Center, Lahore, received the Provincial Interfaith Child Protection Forum Shield from Islamic Relief Pakistan and UNICEF in recognition of his participation and commitment to advancing interfaith collaboration for child protection.
Prepared by:
Asher Nazir
Executive Secretary
Peace Center Lahore
