Speakers of a seminar at International Islamic University (IIU) have agreed that children must be provided prerogatives such as free education, health and called upon government to ensure implementation of the rights as identified by religion and worldwide.
seminar titled “Children of today are custodian of tomorrow” was organized by Department of Sociology of the faculty of Social Sciences of IIUI in collaboration with Child Rights Movement (CRM) and National Action and Coordination Group (NACG) at Faisal Masjid campus of the university.
Few days back a three party MoU was also signed at the new campus of IIU to work together on research topics of child rights, review curriculum in this regard and creating awareness on child and women rights.
IIUI Rector Dr. Masoom Yasinzai addressed the concluding ceremony of the event and urged for academic efforts in educational institutions for awareness and protection of rights of children. He said that IIUI will be among leading ranks to cooperate in this regard. He added that Pakistan will have to invest in education and utilize its young blood for the progress. Dr. Masoom also hailed the organizers of the seminar and reiterated his resolve that he will keep supporting the cause.
Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh , President IIUI in his speech in inaugural ceremony as chief guest urged the educational institutions of the Muslim societies to work for devising a curriculum containing content on rights of children and it must be prepared in the light of Islamic teachings. IIUI President added that Islam is staunch supporter of rights of children. Dr. Al-Draiweesh emphasized on parents to keep an eye on children so that they may not get involved in violent and radicalized activities. He said it is also right of all human beings to nurture them in rigidity free, peaceful environment. He also mentioned his book on mafia’s active against children to make them beggars. He appreciated all three contributors and organizer of the seminar.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Munir, Vice President IIUI and a professor of law called for implementation of rights of children identified by the Islamic jurists. He elaborated the role and responsibility of state in terms of child rights. He e mentioned works of famous Muslim jurist Muhammad Al Ghazali on rights of children. IIUI VP stressed that health and education are the most important rights which state ensure to be implemented in the society.
Sajjad Cheema, a CRM representative briefed the audience about UNCRC, its crux and implementation in Pakistan. He told that CRM has produced a shadow report for 5 years for children rights which briefly discussed the situation of children rights in the country. He suggested that “investment in children” approach must be adopted in the Pakistani society. He opined that contribution was the basic prerogative of children which was an essential attribute to be implemented by the state and children are declared property of state worldwide. He also elaborated that engaging youth is a key for awareness in society for children rights and called upon educational institution to come forward and play role. He hailed IIUI for a positive response and cooperation in this regard.
Syed Ishtiaq ul Hassan Gillani , a NACG representative , in his keynote address told that NACG was working closely for the advocacy of child rights. He added that NACG was working with legislators and government bodies to further sensitize those most valid platforms for children rights. He stressed upon the government to take a positive step towards absence of rule of business for compulsory and free education to all.
Dr. Samina Malik, in her welcome address thanked IIUI President for support. She a
pprised that the activity was focused at discussing matters pertaining to awareness for the right of children and explore new avenues to play role in this regard. Dean FSS, IIUI opined that there is a dire need to think seriously about out of school children and child labor. She stressed upon modifying approaches toward right of children and hoped it would be a productive activity at the end of the day.
The seminar was also attended by Director, Distance Learning, Dr. Nabi Bux Jummani, faculty members of the department and other relevant officials.