Minister of the State for Overseas Pakistanis Tariq Azeem Khan has reiterated the resolve of the government to take measures for the rehabilitation of the children being used as jockeys during camel race in the Gulf countries.
He was talking to reporters here at the inauguration ceremony of Kaleem House, built in the SOS Village Rawalpindi in memory of Kaleem, a camel jockey, by the Overseas Pakistanis Foundation with the cost of Rs 1,200,000.
He said that 400 children have been brought back to Pakistan so far from the Gulf states. The SOS is providing shelter and looking after these unclaimed children besides providing them education facility.
"Children are future asset of the nation and the government is taking appropriate measures for their welfare," the minister said, adding, "we would not allow use of children in these nefarious activities and any person found guilty would be taken to task."
He lauded the role of SOS and various other NGOs in welfare of children and said, 'this is great service towards the nation'.
It is illustrated that topic of camel jockey had been highlighted after the death of small child named Kaleem, who died after felling down from a camel during the camel race in the UAE.
It is note worthy that after the death of Kaleem the government took up this issue with the Gulf states for the repatriation of these innocent children.