MUKHTAR AHMED BUTT
Each year, on 20 November, the world comes together to celebrate World Children’s Day, a day dedicated to recognizing the rights, voices, and potential of every child. This day reminds us that the true measure of a nation’s progress lies not in its wealth or power, but in how it treats its children, its most precious and promising citizens. World Children’s Day is not merely a celebration; it is a call to action. It reminds us of our moral and collective duty to ensure that every child, regardless of race, cast and creed, gender, nationality, or background, receives quality education, healthcare, safety, and the freedom to grow and express themselves. Education, in particular, is the foundation upon which the future of humanity stands. No child should be denied the right of learning for education and there should be no discrimination at all. It is also our constitutional obligation to ensure every child gets education. Unfortunately, education has no priority and people are forced to buy education instead getting education. We do celebrate Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Teachers Day, Labor Day etc. and there is long list of days celebrated each year but celebrating children’s day draws our attention because when children grow they serve the countries in different fields. Pakistan has a proud tradition of service to children’s welfare. The Hamdard Foundation Pakistan perhaps the only organization that gives special attention to children’s day. It was visionary leadership of Hakim Mohammed Said and continued by Sadia Rashid, has always placed children at the center of its mission. For decades, Hamdard Foundation has championed children’s health and education, organizing the International Children’s Health Conference annually to inspire young minds toward healthy living and intellectual growth. For the last three decades, the World Health Day is celebrated by Hamdard Foundation Pakistan with an International Children’s Health Conference. Hamdard Foundation Pakistan and its President, Sadia Rashid, have keen interest in children’s welfare which finds an effective expression in the form of health and educational facilities for children. Over the years this Children’s Health Conference has become an important feature for children to spread the gospel of good health.
This noble tradition reflects our deep commitment to nurturing the next generation strong in body, bright in mind, and pure in spirit. As we commemorate this day, let us reaffirm our pledge to build a world where: Every child learns, free from poverty and ignorance. Every child is heard, respected, and protected. Every child grows in peace and harmony. Let us remember the words of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child that children’s rights are human rights: universal, indivisible, and non-negotiable. May this World Children’s Day awaken compassion in every heart and responsibility in every hand. Together, let us strive for a world where education is every child’s birthright, and where no child is left behind — for in the laughter, health, and education of our children lies the true hope of humanity. Let us protect their childhood today to secure the world’s future tomorrow. Let government of Pakistan declare holiday on Children’s day and hold seminars, functions to highlight importance of this day. Every child has a right to dream, to learn, and to live with dignity. Children are the foundation of the future.
WHEN WE INVEST IN CHILDREN, WE INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY
The writer is freelance journalist and Defense analyst
