KARACHI: The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has appointed renowned actor Ms. Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan. This announcement coincides with the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to recognizing girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face globally.
“It’s an honor to join UNICEF. I will advocate for our shared mission of achieving every right for every child, wherever I am,” said Ms. Qamar. “During my recent travels, I witnessed the challenges faced by children and women in this country, as well as the positive impact of UNICEF’s dedicated efforts. I am committed to supporting the children and young people of Pakistan so they can dream and have the opportunity to fulfill those dreams,” she added.
As UNICEF Pakistan’s National Ambassador, the star of Kamli and Hindi Medium will leverage her platform to raise awareness about children’s rights and issues affecting youth, including child marriage, mental health, lack of education, gender equality, climate change, and the impacts of violence, exploitation, and child poverty.
Child marriage remains one of the most significant barriers to girls realizing their rights in Pakistan, where there are approximately 19 million child brides, ranking the country sixth highest globally. More than half of adolescent girls become pregnant before their 18th birthday, a situation that poses life-threatening risks for both mother and child.
UNICEF warns that without urgent action, Pakistan may take decades to eliminate child marriage. A comprehensive societal approach is essential to prevent this harmful practice and safeguard current and future generations of young girls, who represent one of the country’s greatest untapped resources.
“I am delighted to welcome Saba to UNICEF. Ms. Qamar is a brave and powerful advocate for women and girls’ rights. We look forward to working closely together to highlight the critical challenges facing children in Pakistan today and to enhance our efforts to ensure every child reaches their true potential,” said Mr. Abdullah Fadil, UNICEF Representative in Pakistan.