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Meeting with ADC Karachi

SPARC participated in a key meeting with the Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Central, to discuss urgent concerns around child labor, bonded labor, and domestic labor.The discussion focused on identifying gaps, strengthening enforcement mechanisms, and enhancing coordination among stakeholders to protect vulnerable children and promote their right to education, safety, and dignity.Such engagements are vital in building a united front to address exploitation and ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.

World Refugee Day

On the occasion of world refugee day , SPARC celebrated resilience,and hope with Afghan refugees as part of our ongoing collaboration under the UNHCR-supported project.Held at our various community centers, the event brought together refugee families, youth, and community leaders for a day of meaningful engagement, cultural expression, and collective reflection. Through interactive sessions, storytelling, and creative activitis, we honored the strength and contributions of refugees while reaffirming our commitment to their protection, rights, and dignity.This year’s global theme, “For a World Where Refugees Are Welcomed,” resonates deeply with our efforts to build inclusive spaces where displaced individuals especially women and children can thrive.

CNIC Registration Drives at Brick Kilns

Recognizing the importance of identity documentation, SPARC conducted NADRA CNIC registration drives at various brick kilns. These drives aimed to assist families particularly mothers and adolescents in securing official identification, a critical step towards accessing education, healthcare, and social protection services.

KidsRights Index 2025

The 2025 KidsRights Index reveals a critical global mental health crisis among children and adolescents, with over 14% of those aged 10–19 experiencing mental health concerns. Suicide has become the third leading cause of death among youth aged 15–29, yet these figures likely underestimate the true scale due to widespread stigma, misclassification, and poor reporting. Despite the severity of the issue, mental health remains one of the most overlooked and underreported aspects of children’s rights, highlighting an urgent need for increased global attention, data collection, and action.

Read the full report in the KidsRights Index 2025 here

Children Deserve Better

Over 1.6 million children in Sindh are trapped in child labour, with more than half of older children working in hazardous conditions, according to a recent government survey. While poverty is often cited as the main cause, systemic issues like weak law enforcement, employer impunity, and lack of access to education significantly contribute to the crisis. The psychological toll is alarming, with child labourers more prone to depression. Tackling this issue requires more than acknowledgment, it demands sustained political will, meaningful policy action, and the creation of real opportunities for families and children alike.

Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25

The Pakistan Economic Survey 2024–25 presents a mixed picture for child welfare, showing some progress alongside persistent challenges. Infant mortality has decreased to 52 per 1,000 live births from 56 last year, and literacy rates have improved to 62.8%, with primary school enrollment rising to 28.6 million children. However, health spending remains stagnant at just 1.4% of GDP, and education spending is still low at 2.1% of GDP. Labor force participation stands at 37.2%, with significant gender and age disparities, indicating that many children especially in rural areas continue to engage in informal or exploitative work.

Messages Section

MESSAGES

Anees Jillani

Chairperson

Over 1,300 children have been killed by the Israeli forces since the end of recent ceasefire (March 18, 2025); more than 3,700 children under 18 years old have been wounded. Through nearly 20 months of war, nearly 17,000 children have been killed and more than 34,000 have been wounded — around one in every 20 children in Gaza....

Killing of a single child is not justified. Here we have such a huge number, and the world is unable to do anything. Many condemn but it makes no difference to the Israeli Government. Thanks to the effectiveness of Israeli weaponry, the entire population of Gaza now faces acute food insecurity. The threat of famine is growing by the day; consequently, the plight of Gaza’s children will surely worsen. Nearly half a million people are teetering on the edge of starvation. Over 71,000 children and 17,000 mothers will suffer from acute malnutrition, characterized by rapid weight loss and low weight-to-height ratio, in the next 10 months without sufficient humanitarian aid and treatment. The stocks are extremely limited in Gaza. Unless safe and sustained access to Gaza is regained and the humanitarian agencies are allowed to scale up, more children will suffer. The Israeli authorities claim that the current aid distribution sites are being supplied by 60 trucks a day — a tenth of the number going into Gaza during the recent cease-fire — and dole out family boxes, food aid meant to meet minimum survival needs. But these boxes are woefully insufficient for ensuring children’s well-being. This plan cannot support a population of 2.1 million people, including over a million children. This new mechanism is incompatible with humanitarian principles, including neutrality, impartiality and independence, and fails to meet Israel’s obligations under international humanitarian law. That law requires parties to a conflict to allow and facilitate rapid, safe and unimpeded passage of humanitarian assistance. But who cares……..

Asiya Arif

Executive Director

SPARC is a voice for the voiceless i.e. children. We try not to miss out on their issues and create long-lasting impact rather than a band aid solution. This is mainly done through advocacy, networking with likeminded friends, organizations and service delivery. In the age of communication, I still believe website is a powerful tool in amplifying our voice and reaching out to a range of audience including children, youth, policy makers, think tanks, academics and donors. Let’s stay connected as a discourse over children should go on!

Khalida Ahmed

Board Member

Child marriage is a grave violation of human rights. It robs children—especially girls—of their childhood, education, health, and future. In Pakistan, it remains a harsh reality for many. But now, a powerful shift is underway.No nikah khwan shall register a marriage where one or both contracting parties are below 18 years of age,” declares the newly passed Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025...

This landmark legislation criminalizes child marriage in Islamabad and replaces the outdated Child Marriage Restraint Act 1929. By enacting this law, Pakistan has taken a bold step toward ending child marriage and protecting its most vulnerable citizens. However, the Act has also sparked debate. The Council of Islamic Ideology has expressed concerns, claiming parts of the legislation may conflict with Islamic teachings. Despite this, the passage of the bill remains a major victory for child rights advocates. The Act is not just a change in law; it is a statement of intent. Pakistan is moving forward, determined to protect its children and secure a brighter, safer future for the next generation. A heartfelt tribute to all child rights defenders, human rights advocates, and protection champions who made this milestone possible. Let us continue working toward a world where every child is safe, empowered, and free to thrive.

SPARC's Vision & Mission

Vision

A world in which children are valued and empowered, and their rights promoted and protected.

Mission

To promote and protect the rights of children and empower them through advocacy, research, awareness, service delivery, and institutional development.