Saba Qamar is once again using her platform to amplify the challenges faced by children in Pakistan. Marking World Children’s Day on Thursday, the actor took to social media wearing blue, a symbolic gesture to draw attention to the country’s ongoing children’s rights.
“Every child has the right to learn, to grow up healthy, to live in a safe environment and to have a voice in the decisions that shape their future,” she said. “Let’s join together to make these rights a reality for every child.”
Qamar’s participation in this year’s observance builds on her role as UNICEF Pakistan’s National Ambassador, a position she was first appointed to last year. The announcement coincided with the International Day of the Girl Child, a moment that aims to highlight the rights of girls and the particular challenges they face globally.
At the time, Qamar expressed his gratitude for the appointment, saying, “It is an honor to join UNICEF. I will advance our shared mission to ensure the rights of every child wherever I am.” She had also spoken about insights from her recent travels where she witnessed the hardships faced by children and women across the country, as well as the meaningful impact of UNICEF’s ongoing initiatives. “I am committed to doing my part for the children and youth of Pakistan so that they can dream and achieve those dreams,” she added.
Her renewed call comes at a time when children’s issues remain critical in Pakistan. Child marriage is among the most pressing concerns, with the country home to 19 million child brides – the sixth highest figure in the world. More than half of young girls become pregnant before the age of 18, a reality that poses a serious health risk to both mother and child. Without urgent, targeted intervention, UNICEF projects that Pakistan could take decades to eliminate child marriage.
Acknowledging Qamar’s advocacy, UNICEF Pakistan Representative Abdullah Fadil welcomed her commitment and described her as a courageous and influential advocate for the rights of women and girls. Her commitment, he noted, strengthens ongoing efforts to secure children’s futures and push for meaningful change.
