National Assembly Secretariat
Directorate General of Media
Press Release
Children’s Convention 2026 Calls for Safe Digital Spaces, Climate Action, Inclusive Education, and Child-Centred Policies
Islamabad 11th February 2026: The Children’s Convention 2026, organized by the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) of the National Assembly under the convenorship of Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA, in collaboration with Anthro Insights, at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), brought together parliamentarians, civil society, educationists, and children from across Pakistan to amplify children’s voices on their rights, safety, and future.
In her welcome address, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan underscored that children are the nation’s most valuable asset and emphasized the need for effective, inclusive, and cross-party legislative commitment to protect and nurture them. Highlighting the Convention’s theme, “Empowering Children – Upholding Rights – Shaping the Future,” she reaffirmed PCCR’s resolve to advance child-centred policies through sustained collaboration among federal and provincial stakeholders.
Minister of State for Law & Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, commended the children for their articulate and meaningful participation and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring a safe digital ecosystem for children without compromising their digital freedoms. He emphasized that challenges such as cyberbullying, misuse of artificial intelligence, and the harmful effects of mis- and disinformation would be addressed through effective legislation, robust oversight, and a comprehensive policy framework.
Parliamentary Secretary for Information & Broadcasting, Mr. Danyal Chaudhary, lauded the confidence of participating children and stressed that the government’s approach is to build “shields, not walls,” protecting children online while ensuring unhindered access to knowledge. Highlighting the misuse of AI, including deepfakes and manipulated content, he underscored the urgent need for IT-based education to help children distinguish facts from fabricated material. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting children from cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online abuse, highlighted the role of provinces after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, and referred to the Cyber Agahi Programme, to promote digital safety awareness and integrate it into educational curricula. He also emphasized ethical AI practices, including watermarking of AI-generated content, and sustained investment in technology to empower youth with skills and secure employment.
Coordinator to PM on Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, emphasized the importance of equipping youth with AI and digital skills to meet future challenges. Encouraging continuous learning and responsible use of technology, she highlighted that small individual actions—such as conserving energy and reducing plastic use—can collectively make a significant impact. She noted that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has consistently raised climate change and its adverse regional impacts at national and international forums, and apprised participants of the She Power Programme in Balochistan, aimed at providing healthcare services to underprivileged girls.
Participating children highlighted the urgent need to address socio-economic well-being, mental health, access to quality healthcare and education, and protection from violence and exploitation. Children from climate-affected regions, including Tharparkar, drew attention to extreme heat, heat-related illnesses, lack of electricity in schools, and the need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions. They also emphasized clean drinking water and a healthy environment as fundamental rights, stressing that no child should grow up in fear or feel invisible.
Ms. Nabeela Ayoub Khan, Convenor of the Child Rights Caucus of the AJK Assembly, emphasized the need for inclusive frameworks and child-centred policies through close collaboration among Parliament, Provincial Assemblies, and Legislative Assemblies across Pakistan. She stressed that technological advancement and digitalization must benefit all children equally. Highlighting the situation of children in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), she stated that despite a high literacy rate in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, children in IIOJK continue to face denial of basic human rights, restricted access to education, and lack of enabling social and educational infrastructure. She urged greater advocacy on digital platforms for the right to education and dignity of children in IIOJK.
Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA, paid tribute to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto as a trailblazer for women and children, urging youth to learn about the Constitution and actively exercise their rights. Convenor of the Child Rights Caucus of Sindh Assembly, Ms. Seema Khurram, MPA, emphasized collective responsibility to ensure equal opportunities in education and healthcare, while Ms. Kiran Haider, MNA, highlighted the vital role of teachers and the immense potential of children, particularly in Balochistan, calling for increased investment in education and health. Former MNA Mr. Zamurd Khan commended PCCR for fostering collaboration among Parliament and provincial and legislative assemblies to advance child rights through a unified national approach.
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