Renowned Pakistani actress Saba Qamar has been appointed as UNICEF’s inaugural National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan, a significant achievement revealed on International Day of the Girl Child. This day is dedicated to recognizing and addressing the unique challenges girls face around the world while promoting their empowerment.
In a statement, Saba Qamar expressed her excitement about the role, stating, “It’s an honour to join UNICEF. I will amplify our collective mission to secure every right for every child, wherever I may be.” Her recent experiences during travels across Pakistan have given her firsthand insight into the difficulties faced by children, especially girls, and the transformative efforts being made by organizations like UNICEF. “I have seen both the struggles children and women endure in this country and the profound impact UNICEF’s efforts are having. I am committed to playing my part for the children and youth of Pakistan, ensuring they can dream and achieve those dreams,” Saba Qamar shared.
In her new role as UNICEF Pakistan’s National Ambassador, Saba Qamar aims to leverage her influence to raise awareness about key issues affecting children and young people. This includes critical topics such as child marriage, mental health, education gaps, gender inequality, climate change, and the detrimental effects of violence, exploitation, and poverty on children.
Child marriage remains a major challenge in Pakistan, with the country ranking as the sixth highest globally in terms of child brides. A staggering 19 million child brides live in Pakistan, and more than half of adolescent girls become pregnant before turning 18. This can have severe health consequences for both the mother and child, often leading to life-threatening situations.
UNICEF has emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. Without immediate and decisive action, child marriage will continue to persist in Pakistan for many years. A comprehensive societal approach is essential to curtail this harmful practice and safeguard future generations. Young girls represent one of Pakistan’s greatest untapped resources, and protecting their rights is key to ensuring a brighter future for the nation.
Welcoming Saba Qamar to UNICEF, the organization’s Pakistan Representative, Abdullah Fadil, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “Ms. Qamar is a courageous and passionate advocate for women’s and girls’ rights,” Fadil shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). “We look forward to working closely with her to bring attention to the pressing issues facing children in Pakistan today and accelerating our efforts to help every child realize their full potential.”
Saba Qamar, who has gained widespread acclaim for her performances in both Pakistani films like Kamli and international hits like Hindi Medium, is well-known for her dedication to social causes. By partnering with UNICEF, she hopes to further shine a light on the issues impacting Pakistan’s youth and encourage broader societal engagement.
Recently, Qamar posted on her social media, sharing glimpses of her interactions with young girls during a field visit to an undisclosed location. Her post read, “Met some super amazing people this week and had some wonderful experiences. Tons of stories to share! More soon!” This engagement further underscores her commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and advocating for their rights.
Saba Qamar’s collaboration with UNICEF marks an important milestone in the country’s efforts to address pressing challenges faced by children. Her platform, combined with UNICEF’s resources and experience, has the potential to foster greater awareness and action to protect the most vulnerable members of society — the children.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with significant issues like child marriage, lack of education, and gender inequality, Saba Qamar’s appointment as the National Ambassador for Child Rights is a beacon of hope for change. Her influence and dedication to raising awareness about these issues will undoubtedly contribute to creating a safer, more equitable future for Pakistan’s children. UNICEF’s partnership with Saba Qamar is set to inspire more individuals and organizations to come together in the mission of protecting and uplifting the rights of every child in Pakistan.
