LAHORE:Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique on Tuesday directed the authorities concerned to accelerate child protection and welfare measures across Punjab. He chaired a meeting of the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau at the Home Department, reaffirming that the safety and well-being of children was a premier focus of the Punjab government. The meeting reviewed child protection initiatives, welfare services and measures taken by the provincial government. Special Secretary Home Faisal Fareed, Additional Secretary Home Asma Ijaz Cheema, Child Protection and Welfare Bureau Director General Nadeem Akhtar, Ghulam Sagheer Shahid from the Centre of Excellence and other officials attended the meeting.
Khawaja Salman Rafique said that, in line with Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s vision, the government had decided to intensify efforts to ensure effective child protection. He directed officials to expedite psychological support, legal assistance and family reunification services for children. He also stressed the need for strengthening the bureau’s field operations, helpline, complaint redressal mechanism and case management system. The minister called for effective implementation of child protection laws, public awareness campaigns and enhanced coordination among relevant institutions. He directed officials to improve district-level monitoring, upgrade facilities at bureau centres and enhance staff capacity. Relevant authorities have been directed to set clear targets, submit regular progress reports, and fast-track the resolution of pending cases. Provincial Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to securing a safe, dignified, and prosperous future for children t
hrough the seamless coordination of the bureau and other allied departments.