Strengthening Our Collective Commitment to Child Protection

Interfaith Child Protection Forum Punjab
30 October 2025 | Park Lane Hotel, Lahore

The Interfaith Child Protection Forum Punjab was convened on 30 October 2025 at Park Lane Hotel, Lahore, to strengthen collective efforts for the protection and welfare of children across Punjab. The forum brought together interfaith leaders, representatives of civil society, government officials, and child rights advocates to review progress and reaffirm their shared commitment to safeguarding children. The event was graced by Madam Sarah Ahmad, Chairperson of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, Government of Punjab, who attended as the Chief Guest and addressed the participants on the importance of coordinated and sustained efforts to protect children from all forms of violence, abuse, exploitation, and neglect. This significant forum was organized by Islamic Relief Pakistan and UNICEF in collaboration with the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau, bringing together interfaith leaders, civil society representatives, and child rights advocates on one platform to advance the cause of child protection and welfare in Punjab.

Mr. Asher Nazir, Executive Secretary of Peace Center Lahore, and Fr. Adil Peter OP, Bursar of Peace Center Lahore, participated on behalf of Peace Center Lahore. They had the privilege of representing the Peace Center and contributing to discussions on the progress achieved under the joint action plan. Forum members reaffirmed their shared commitment to safeguarding children’s rights, protecting them from all forms of violence, exploitation, and neglect, and ensuring that every child grows up in a safe and nurturing environment.

Protecting children is not merely an institutional or legal obligation — it is a moral, social, and spiritual responsibility that unites people of all faiths. Through continued interfaith collaboration and practical action, we can build a Punjab — and a world — where every child is protected, valued, and empowered.

The event was organized by Islamic Relief Pakistan and UNICEF in collaboration with the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau.
The forum served as a platform to strengthen partnerships and evaluate progress under the joint action plan aimed at safeguarding children across Punjab.
The event witnessed participation from: Interfaith religious leaders, Representatives of civil society organizations, Child rights advocates, Government officials and Development partners

They actively contributed to discussions regarding the implementation and progress of child protection initiatives under the joint action plan.
The forum focused on:
•    Reviewing progress achieved under the joint action plan
•    Strengthening interfaith collaboration for child protection
•    Addressing violence, exploitation, and neglect of children
•    Promoting community-based protection mechanisms
•    Reinforcing institutional and legal safeguards
Participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to:
The Interfaith Child Protection Forum highlighted that child protection is not solely a legal or institutional duty but also a moral, social, and spiritual responsibility shared across faith communities.
The collaborative approach emphasized that sustainable child protection requires:
•    Interfaith harmony
•    Government and civil society partnership
•    Community engagement
•    Continuous monitoring and action
The forum concluded with a renewed pledge from all stakeholders to work collectively toward building a Punjab where every child is protected, valued, and empowered. The event reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration, policy implementation, and practical community-level interventions to ensure the safety and well-being of children.