The Ministry of Human Rights, together with UNICEF Pakistan, the National Commission on the Status of Women, the National Commission on the Rights of the Child and the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, marked the International Day of the Girl Child under the global theme The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines of Crisis, highlighting efforts to strengthen Girls Leadership across Pakistan.
The forum brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners and youth advocates working on child rights and gender equality, 
offering a platform to reaffirm collective commitment to advancing girls’ empowerment, protection and participation. Participants emphasised practical steps to nurture Girls Leadership at community and institutional levels.
Me. Abdul Khalique Sheikh, Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights, underlined that girls are active agents of change who lead progress in their communities and must be heard and supported. He called for investment in leadership opportunities, removal of barriers to education and health, and policies that enable girls to take visible roles in crisis response and recovery.
The Secretary noted that Pakistan’s Constitution guarantees equality before the law under Article 25 and ensures protection for women and children under Article 35. He also highlighted that the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and key ILO Conventions on child labour underpins the national child protection framework that supports Girls Leadership and safety.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to create an enabling environment where every girl can learn, lead and live with dignity. Through continued collaboration with partners, targeted legislation and public awareness initiatives, authorities aim to translate the principles of girls’ rights and Girls Leadership into tangible opportunities across Pakistan.
