Islamabad, A national seminar titled “Role of Academia and Faith Leaders in Transforming Society to Realize Child Rights” was held on May 14, 2024, at the Dr. Ishtiaq Hussain Qureshi Conference Room, Islamic Research Institute, Faisal Masjid Campus of International Islamic University, Islamabad. The event focused on the significant role that both educational and religious leaders play in advancing child rights in Pakistan.
According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the seminar was hosted by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute, and chaired by Mr. Justice Syed Muhammad Anwar of the Federal Shariat Court. The event featured notable guests including H.E. Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, a member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, and H.E. Mr. Elnur Aliyen from UNICEF Pakistan, along with a range of eminent speakers from various religious and academic backgrounds.
Key discussions at the seminar highlighted the crucial need for societal attitude changes towards child rights in Pakistan. Speakers, including Dr. Atta-ul-Mustafa from the Faculty of Shariah and Law and Dr. Robina Hanif from the National Institute of Psychology, emphasized that while legal frameworks exist, societal behaviors and discriminatory practices against children remain pervasive challenges. The consensus was that effective change should be rooted in teachings from the Quran and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), ensuring that initiatives are culturally congruent and religiously respectful.
The seminar also stressed the urgency of educational reforms and religious advocacy to promote children’s rights to survival, growth, and access to education and food, areas where Pakistani children currently face significant deprivation. The event saw robust participation from civil society members, students from International Islamic University and Bahria University, as well as scholars and officers from the Islamic Research Institute.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks and the distribution of souvenirs by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq to the esteemed guests, marking the seminar’s commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and action for children’s rights in Pakistan.