Lahore: The Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) of Pakistan’s National Assembly convened a consultative session to address the pressing issue of Out-of-School Children (OOSC) in Punjab. Under the leadership of Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, the session aimed to devise strategies tailored to the province’s unique challenges.

The session welcomed various stakeholders, including Members of the National Assembly (MNAs), education officials, and civil society representatives. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan highlighted the complex causes of the OOSC problem, such as financial constraints, accessibility issues, and societal norms.

MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gillani shared initiatives from Multan and proposed extending these efforts province-wide. His recommendations included counseling parents, enhancing school infrastructure, and incorporating IT labs to bolster skills in technology.

Ms. Asia Naz Tanoli advocated for raising the educational standards of teachers and using media to raise awareness about the importance of education, especially in rural areas. She also emphasized resuming adult education programs and celebrating educational achievements.

Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro called for programs focusing on personal safety for children and collaboration among schools, government bodies, and NGOs to tackle the exploitation of street children and reduce OOSC numbers.

Ms. Sarah Ahmed, the Provincial Caucus Convenor, discussed campaigns with UNICEF to protect children’s welfare and stressed vocational training for girls as a path to financial independence.

Officials from the Education Department Multan presented demographic data on OOSC and outlined existing government efforts to upgrade schools. They proposed measures like enforcing compulsory education laws and expanding early morning school options.

The session concluded with a token of appreciation for MNA Syed Ali Qasim Gillani’s efforts, followed by a group photograph to commemorate the event.