A New Era of Cooperation: Pakistan and South Sudan Unite for Child Rights
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan and Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck discuss ways to enhance child education, health, and protection"
Islamabad: A high-level parliamentary delegation led by the Deputy Speaker of the Transitional Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, Rt. Mr. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck, called on the Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, MNA, at the Parliament House today.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan delivered an introductory address outlining the objectives and vision of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR). This was followed by remarks from Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck, who appreciated Pakistan’s initiatives in child welfare.
During the meeting, Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan emphasized the significance of the 18th Amendment, which has empowered provinces to qindependently address children’s welfare. MNA Syeda Shehla Raza also participated in the discussion, focusing on critical issues such as child exploitation, illiteracy, and neonatal mortality. She highlighted Pakistan’s remarkable achievement in reducing neonatal deaths by 75% and shed light on efforts to improve the country’s literacy rate.
MNA Ms. Zahra Wadood Fatemi shared insights into Pakistan’s success in educating disabled students through skill-based programs. She underscored the importance of providing education in local languages to the midwives to ensure better service delivery at the grassroots level. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan further elaborated on government initiatives to train midwives in addressing health deficiencies, also conducted in local languages.
Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Korneli Kon Ngu Akuck commended the vision behind Pakistan’s Parliamentary Child Rights Caucus and expressed interest in establishing a similar caucus in South Sudan. He highlighted South Sudan’s high poverty rate as a barrier to education, noting the challenges it poses for students to focus on their studies. He also acknowledged the need for collaboration with Pakistan to enhance capacity-building initiatives in South Sudan.
The meeting concluded with participants emphasizing the importance of joint efforts in promoting child welfare and education. The exchange of ideas and experiences between Pakistan and South Sudan has opened doors for potential future collaborations. Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan lauded all participants for their valuable contributions and insights.
