SPARC Celebrates Universal Children’s Day 2020

HealthSPARC Celebrates Universal Children’s Day 2020

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The Society for the Protection of Rights of Child (SPARC) celebrated the Universal Children’s Day 2020 at a Local Hotel in Islamabad on Thursday.

While addressing the event, Senator Sitara Ayaz said that Universal Children’s Day is not just a celebration of children for being the gift of God that they are but to address the issues afflicting children across the world.

Senator Sitara Ayaz further said that in addition to the persistent challenges of health, nutrition, and education, tobacco consumption is a growing factor.Universal Children’s Day 2020 - The Society for the Protection of Rights of Child (SPARC) celebrated the Universal Children’s Day 2020 at a Local Hotel in Islamabad on Thursday. While addressing the event, Senator Sitara Ayaz said that Universal Children's Day is not just a celebration of children for being the gift of God that they are but to address the issues afflicting children across the world. Senator Sitara Ayaz further said that in addition to the persistent challenges of health, nutrition, and education, tobacco consumption is a growing factor. The Senator said that about 1,200 children between the ages of six and 15 start smoking in Pakistan every day. She said that as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), we must raise taxes on cigarettes by 30% and implement a health levy bill to make them unaffordable for children. Sitara Ayaz said that the government must implement a health levy of Rs 10 for the better future of the children of Pakistan. The Chairperson National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) Afshan Tehseen said that the tobacco industry targets children in its advertising. Afshan Tehseen added it is extremely important to take necessary legislative and regulatory measures to protect children from tobacco, and ensure that the interests of children take precedence over those of the tobacco industry. The Chairperson NCRC said that children are also exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke. She said that nearly 700 million, or almost half of the world’s children, breathe air polluted by second-hand smoke, according to the report. The Executive Director SPARC Sajjad Ahmed Cheema said that the main responsibility of the state and its institutions besides the parents themselves was to provide children with better living conditions. Sajjad Ahmed Cheema said that youth tobacco practice is an evolving problem in Pakistan, high smoking rates contribute to a substantial number of early deaths, high healthcare costs, and lost productivity. The Executive Director SPARC also added that tobacco consumption is not only a health issue. It has serious repercussions on poverty and economic stability, child development, child education, child labor, and in many cases; it becomes a child protection issue as well. Cheema said that the government needs to remain steadfast to overcome any challenges thrown by the big tobacco industry in order to safeguard Pakistani children from the harms of tobacco.

The Senator said that about 1,200 children between the ages of six and 15 start smoking in Pakistan every day. She said that as per the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), we must raise taxes on cigarettes by 30% and implement a health levy bill to make them unaffordable for children.

Sitara Ayaz said that the government must implement a health levy of Rs 10 for the better future of the children of Pakistan.

The Chairperson National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC) Afshan Tehseen said that the tobacco industry targets children in its advertising.

Afshan Tehseen added it is extremely important to take necessary legislative and regulatory measures to protect children from tobacco, and ensure that the interests of children take precedence over those of the tobacco industry.

The Chairperson NCRC said that children are also exposed to second-hand tobacco smoke. She said that nearly 700 million, or almost half of the world’s children, breathe air polluted by second-hand smoke, according to the report.

The Executive Director SPARC Sajjad Ahmed Cheema said that the main responsibility of the state and its institutions besides the parents themselves was to provide children with better living conditions.

Sajjad Ahmed Cheema said that youth tobacco practice is an evolving problem in Pakistan, high smoking rates contribute to a substantial number of early deaths, high healthcare costs, and lost productivity.

The Executive Director SPARC also added that tobacco consumption is not only a health issue. It has serious repercussions on poverty and economic stability, child development, child education, child labor, and in many cases; it becomes a child protection issue as well.

Cheema said that the government needs to remain steadfast to overcome any challenges thrown by the big tobacco industry in order to safeguard Pakistani children from the harms of tobacco.

Mati
Mati
Mati-Ullah is the Online Editor For DND. He is the real man to handle the team around the Country and get news from them and provide to you instantly.

Must read

Recent News

Enough is enough : Mr Naqvi show grace and resign

0
By Dr Taimoor Ul HassanThe entire country was blocked for a week, thousands of law enforcement agencies were deployed, and the army was called...
PTI Protest November 24

PTI protesters reached D-Chowk

0
Monitoring Desk: Vini vidi vici—former First Lady Bushra Bibi did it while crushing state writ under the wheels of her container and hundreds of...
PTI leading Chaos in Capital: The State must not show mercy now

PTI leading Chaos in Capital:  The State must not show mercy now

0
DND ReportMartyrdom of policemen and Rangers personnel in violent protests raises the demand to register a murder case against former prime minister Imran Khan...

Pakistan Army called in to face protesters after PTI followers crushed 3 Rangers and...

0
Monitoring Desk: PTI followers crushed three Rangers and one Frontier Constabulary personnel to death at Srinagar highway early morning of November 26, reports Geo...
Pakistan-China Institute concludes 4th batch of Balochistan Youth Engagement Program, empowering future leaders Islamabad, 25 November 2024: The Pakistan-China Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Islamabad, successfully concluded the 4th Batch of the Balochistan Youth Engagement Program, featuring participants from the University of Gwadar. This initiative aims to empower the youth of Balochistan by providing exposure to key stakeholders, fostering strategic dialogues, and promoting cultural immersion. Over four days, the program offered students a unique opportunity to engage with diplomats, business leaders, and policymakers, deepening their understanding of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its transformative role in Balochistan’s development. During their visit to the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad, the students were warmly received by Mr. Wang Shengjie, Political Counsellor, who delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the enduring Pakistan-China friendship. He underscored the importance of youth in strengthening bilateral ties, stating, “The youth are the custodians of the future. Programs like these are crucial in fostering people-to-people connections between our two nations.” The students were also introduced to the CPEC framework through a presentation and video by young diplomats, illustrating the initiative’s impact on regional connectivity and economic growth. On the second day, the delegation visited the China Media Group office in Islamabad, where they explored initiatives aimed at fostering media collaboration and promoting cultural understanding between Pakistan and China. This was followed by a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where the delegation was warmly welcomed by Ms. Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During an in-depth briefing, Ms. Baloch shared valuable insights into Pakistan's foreign policy priorities, particularly its strategic engagements with key regions, including China, the USA, the Middle East, Central Asia, and Africa. She emphasized that Pakistan’s relationship with China remains the cornerstone of its foreign policy, rooted in mutual trust and shared interests. The delegation also had the honor of meeting Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Ishaq Dar. Additionally, they participated in a dialogue with the China Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan (CCCPK), where representatives of Chinese enterprises discussed ongoing projects and investment strategies. Mustafa Hyder Sayed, Executive Director of the Pakistan-China Institute, remarked, “This program exemplifies how diplomacy and development converge. By engaging with stakeholders, the youth of Balochistan can better understand the opportunities that CPEC and bilateral cooperation offer.” The students also visited the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) to explore the dynamics of policy and strategy. On the third day, a major highlight was a lecture delivered by Ambassador Naghmana Hashmi, Former Pakistani Ambassador to China. She addressed the challenges posed by misinformation and emphasized the role of Chinese investments in Balochistan’s socio-economic upliftment. In her address, she stated, “Misinformation about Balochistan undermines the progress being made. It is imperative to showcase the tangible benefits that Chinese collaboration has brought to the region.” Another significant session was led by Zou Yaodong, Chief Staff of the Administration Department of the China Overseas Port Holding Company (COPHC). He provided a detailed overview of Gwadar’s development under COPHC’s leadership, highlighting its strategic significance in the CPEC framework. “Gwadar is a symbol of hope and prosperity for Balochistan and Pakistan. COPHC is committed to making it a hub of regional connectivity and economic transformation,”he said. The cultural aspect of the program included visits to iconic sites in Islamabad, such as the Pakistan Monument, Lok Virsa Museum, and Margalla Hills. These excursions deepened the students’ connection to Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage, complementing the program’s educational focus. The 4th Batch of the Balochistan Youth Engagement Program continues to exemplify the Pakistan-China Institute’s dedication to nurturing future leaders and fostering regional connectivity. By equipping youth with knowledge, exposure, and critical insights, the program strengthens the foundation for a prosperous Balochistan and reinforces the enduring Pakistan-China partnership.

Pakistan-China Institute concludes 4th batch of Balochistan Youth Engagement Program

0
Islamabad, Pakistan: The Pakistan-China Institute, in collaboration with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Islamabad, successfully concluded the 4th Batch of...
Advertisement