Islamabad: A high-level delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of South Sudan’s Transitional Legislative Assembly, Rt. Mr. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck, visited the Parliament House in Islamabad to discuss child rights. They met with Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, the Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR).

According to a statement by National Assembly of Pakistan, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan began the session with an address on the PCCR’s objectives. The Deputy Speaker expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s child welfare initiatives. The meeting also highlighted the significance of Pakistan’s 18th Amendment, empowering provinces to tackle children’s welfare independently.

MNA Syeda Shehla Raza addressed critical issues such as child exploitation and neonatal mortality. She pointed out Pakistan’s success in reducing neonatal deaths by 75% and efforts to boost literacy rates. MNA Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi discussed educating disabled students and emphasized education in local languages for midwives.

Deputy Speaker Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck praised the vision of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Child Rights Caucus. He expressed interest in forming a similar caucus in South Sudan, acknowledging poverty as a barrier to education. He noted potential collaboration with Pakistan to strengthen capacity-building initiatives.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on joint efforts to promote child welfare and education. Participants recognized the exchange of ideas as a foundation for future collaborations. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan commended all participants for their contributions.