Speakers attending a seminar in Pakistan recently discussed effective enforcement of existing laws and collective action to control child trafficking, child labour and child marriages.

In the event organised by the Sustainable Social Development Organisation (SSDO), in collaboration with the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB), and the US Embassy, Islamabad, speakers said there were around 700,000 street children in Punjab and stressed urgent protective measures and dismantling of the child trafficking mafia, reported Dawn News.

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmed Khan announced that a bill against child marriage would soon be passed by the Punjab Assembly, the newspaper reported.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Punjab Assembly and SSDO to strengthen the capacity of the members of the Punjab Assembly on the issues of peace and sustainable development in Punjab, the Pakistani newspaper reported.

During the event, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Zaheer Iqbal Chanar, Senator Bushra Anjum Butt and MPA Khurram Virk stressed the importance of all the stakeholders playing a role in addressing these issues and raising awareness among the parents and children.