The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed renowned Pakistani actress Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador for child rights in Pakistan. The announcement was made on the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to raising awareness of girls’ rights and the unique challenges they face globally.
Saba Qamar expressed her gratitude for the role, saying, “It’s an honor to join UNICEF. I will promote our shared mission of ensuring every child’s rights, wherever I am.” Reflecting on her recent travels, she highlighted the difficulties children and women face in Pakistan and acknowledged the powerful impact of UNICEF’s initiatives. “I am committed to doing my part for the children and youth of Pakistan, helping them dream and achieve those dreams,” she added.
As UNICEF Pakistan’s National Ambassador, Qamar will use her global platform to advocate for children’s rights and address key issues affecting young people, such as child marriage, mental health, access to education, gender equality, climate change, and the impacts of violence, exploitation, and poverty.
Child marriage is one of the most pressing issues in Pakistan, which is home to 19 million child brides—the sixth highest number worldwide. Over half of adolescent girls in Pakistan become pregnant before turning 18, putting both mother and child at significant risk. Without immediate action, UNICEF estimates that it could take decades to eliminate child marriage in the country.
A holistic approach is crucial to ending this harmful practice and protecting future generations of girls, who represent an essential, yet often overlooked, resource for the nation.
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Mr. Abdullah Fadil, warmly welcomed Saba Qamar as a brave and influential advocate for women’s and girls’ rights. He expressed excitement about working closely with her to address the significant challenges facing children in Pakistan and to enhance efforts to ensure every child can reach their full potential.
