ISLAMABAD – Pakistan rolled out its first National Strategy to end Violence against Children (2026–2031), setting out a five-year framework to address child abuse, violent discipline, child labour, early marriage and online exploitation affecting millions of children across the country.
The strategy was launched on Tuesday by the Ministry of Human Rights in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), with support from UNICEF, as Pakistan seeks to strengthen child protection mechanisms and ensure a safer environment for children.
According to the strategy, Pakistan is home to approximately 120 million children, many of whom face different forms of violence and exploitation. The document highlights the scale of the problem, stating that up to 80 per cent of children experience violent discipline, while 8.6 million are engaged in child labour.
It further estimates that 840,000 children aged 10 to 17 have been married, while one in every 16 internet-using children aged 12 to 17 has experienced technology-facilitated exploitation or abuse. More than 57 per cent of children under the age of five are also not registered with a civil authority, leaving them more vulnerable to violence and potentially restricting their access to essential services and legal protection.
The launch took place during a two-day National Preparatory Consultation, held on October 14 and 15, ahead of the Second Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children, scheduled for November in Manila, the Philippines.
More than 100 participants, including federal and provincial government representatives, child protection experts, civil society organizations, youth groups and children, are attending the consultation to discuss practical measures and identify actions to prevent violence. The meeting is also reviewing Pakistan’s progress on commitments made at the previous global conference in Bogotá, Colombia, in 2024.
The five-year strategy aims to establish a coordinated national system covering prevention, protection, response, recovery, reintegration and access to justice. It addresses multiple forms of violence, including physical and sexual abuse, psychological harm, child neglect, killings and technology-facilitated exploitation.
Children from disadvantaged communities, including displaced and migrant children and those living in poor or informal urban settlements, are identified as particularly vulnerable to abuse, trafficking, early marriage and child labour.
The framework is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and WHO-led INSPIRE initiative, which outlines seven evidence-based approaches to preventing violence. These include strengthening laws, challenging harmful social norms, creating safer environments, supporting parents and caregivers, improving economic security, expanding response services and equipping children with essential life skills.
Addressing the consultation, Girl Guide Qurat Ul Ain Safdar Khan called for stronger action to ensure that children can grow up without fear, highlighting bullying, humiliating punishment, harassment and online threats as challenges faced by children in their daily lives.
She also drew attention to abuse committed by people known to children, as well as the continued exploitation of children through forced labour and marriage. She stressed that children should not have to remain silent about abuse because they fear the consequences of speaking out.
Ministry of Human Rights Secretary Abdul Khalique Shaikh described the strategy as an important step towards establishing a coordinated national framework for child protection. He said the initiative would require effective implementation and measurable action to translate its objectives into meaningful improvements in children’s safety.
Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Saba Sadiq reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to strengthening child protection institutions and ensuring that children can grow up in a safe environment. She emphasized the need for effective policies, strong institutions and collective efforts to safeguard children’s rights and dignity.
UNICEF Acting Deputy Representative in Pakistan Jennifer Melton said the widespread acceptance of violence as a form of discipline highlighted the need to focus on prevention rather than responding only after abuse occurs. She emphasized the importance of supporting parents and caregivers, creating safe learning environments, challenging harmful social attitudes and ensuring that children know their rights and where to seek help.
WHO Representative in Pakistan Dr Luo Dapeng said violence against children was a major public health concern, with consequences that can extend into adulthood. Beyond physical injuries, he noted, violence can damage children’s mental health, development, education and relationships. He reaffirmed WHO’s support for Pakistan’s efforts to prevent all forms of violence against children, regardless of where they live or their social circumstances.
Globally, approximately one billion children experience physical, sexual or emotional violence each year, according to WHO. The organization estimates that a child dies as a result of violence every five minutes, while stressing that both these deaths and the long-term consequences of abuse are preventable.
The launch places renewed focus on Pakistan’s child protection commitments, with the strategy’s effectiveness likely to depend on coordination between federal and provincial authorities, stronger support services and sustained action to address the social and economic factors that leave children vulnerable.