Maryam Nawaz urges greater child protection following Sargodha incident

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has described the alleged sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl in Sargodha as a "heartbreaking" incident, saying that while the government bears responsibility for protecting children, parents should also avoid sending young children outside on their own.

Addressing a meeting of the Paigham-e-Aman Committee, the Chief Minister said society must also examine how boys and men are being brought up.

Referring to the Sargodha incident, Maryam Nawaz said the alleged abuse of the seven-year-old girl was deeply distressing.

She acknowledged the government's responsibility in ensuring public safety but urged parents to take additional precautions by not allowing young children to go out alone.

Emphasising the need for broader social reform, she said the government could not reach into every household and that addressing social problems required a collective effort from all sections of society.

The Chief Minister added that whenever a child dies after falling into an uncovered drain, she considers it a personal responsibility and said such incidents leave her unable to sleep for several nights. She noted, however, that although the administration installs drain covers, they are sometimes stolen.

During her address, Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the important role of religious scholars in promoting peace. She praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the Deputy Prime Minister for their roles in what she described as the "Battle for Truth" and in efforts to facilitate understanding between Iran and the United States.