Karachi, In response to growing concerns over child safety in the city, Karachi’s Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab has pledged to enhance efforts to protect vulnerable children from exploitation and abduction. This commitment was articulated during a meeting with a delegation from the Roshni Helpline on May 27, coinciding with International Missing Children’s Day.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the meeting involved discussions on increasing public awareness about the issues of missing and exploited children and enhancing efforts to recover children who have been used for begging or other exploitative purposes. Mayor Wahab emphasized the city’s commitment to working with Roshni Helpline and other institutions to prevent child exploitation.

The initiatives include collaborations with non-governmental organizations like the Roshni Helpline to implement effective recovery operations for missing children and to launch public awareness campaigns. The mayor highlighted plans to disseminate awareness messages at strategic public locations and link Roshni Helpline’s emergency service 1138 with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation’s helpline to streamline efforts.

Additionally, Mayor Wahab addressed infrastructure issues that jeopardize child safety, such as uncovered manholes, announcing expedited efforts to cover them to prevent accidents.

Dr. Muhammad Ali, head of the Roshni Helpline, underscored the critical role of parents and the community in safeguarding children, particularly those under 18, from abduction and exploitation, including newborn theft from hospitals. He expressed gratitude for the Mayor’s support in these endeavors.

The day’s events also included ceremonial activities at the historic KMC building, where the delegation celebrated International Missing Children’s Day and received briefings on the city’s heritage.