Government is making efforts in implementing Juvenile Justice System Ordinance in its true letter and spirit by this year.
Nelofar Bakhtiar, Advisor to Prime Minister on Women Development, Social Welfare and Special Education said this while speaking at an event to mark National Children's Day 2004 here on Thursday.
Nilofar said that the government was fully cognisant of the situation of children in the country and the Cabinet has declared 2004 the Year of Child Welfare and Rights.
She said that the government has taken a number of initiatives in many development areas for children including education, health and juvenile justice.
"The Compulsory Primary Education Act, Juvenile Justice System Ordinance, Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance Poverty Reduction Programmes, Ratification of ILO 162 Convention and National Policy for Disabled are reflective of our sincere efforts in addressing the issues of children in the country," she added.
The adviser said that the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development is preparing a comprehensive National Child Policy and Plan of Action for Children. She asked the relevant public and private sector stakeholders to give serious thought to make this plan implemented.
About the day's background, Joint Secretary Mohammad Shaukat Nawaz Tahir said government declared January 9 to be celebrated as National Children's Day.
It has coincided with birthday of Late Hakim Mohammad Said for his great services for the welfare of the country's children.
However, it was postponed this year due to the security arrangements for First Ladies Conference to be held in those days.
Sadia Rashid, President Hamdard Foundation and daughter of Hakim Said stated that her father was a guardian of country's children and had devoted his entire life for their welfare. 'Naunehal' magazine for children and 'Naunehal Assembly' are regular features of Hamdard Foundation being carried out for the children, she said.
Hamdard Awards were also given to the children for their excellence in different fields. 'Himmat Award' was given to Imanullah, 'Overall Performance Award' to Shahzeb Sadiq, 'Social and Community Award' to Milad ul Jabbar, 'Qiyadat Award' to Ibtesam and 'Takhleeqi Award' was conferred upon Asghar Ali.