LAHORE: Children are future of nation, they should be protected from sexual abuse and other culpable crimes by active participation of parents, teachers, police civil society and all members of society so that anti social elements may be traced and be punished immediately. City Capital Police Officer (CCPO) Amin Wains expressed these views while addressing participants of a seminar titled protection of fundamental rights of children at Aiwan-e-Iqbal on Tuesday. He added that it is prime responsibility of parents to keep vigilance over activities and behavior of their children and in case of unprecedented change in their behavior parents not only should take notice of it but also inform police. Punjab Police Deputy Inspector General (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf, Senior Superintendent of Police (Operations) Muntazir Mehdi, Chairperson Child Protection Bureau Saba Sadiq, Lahore Deputy Commissioner Sameer Ahmad, lawyers, senior journalists and notable personalities from all walks of life were present at the seminar. In his welcome address, DIG (Operations) Dr Haider Ashraf said that police had made a solemn determination of eliminating social evil of child abuse from the solicit by mutual effort of all institutions. He added that it is prime priority of Lahore Police to provide protection to women and children for which all available resources are being utilized. He said that the public should also cooperate with police. Child Protection Bureau Chairperson Saba Sadiq said that bureau was taking strategic steps for protection of rights of children in all districts of province and it is a good omen that other stake holders are also becoming part of it. Chairperson and psychiatrist Sumera of SAHIL, a non-governmental organisation working for children rights, said the NGO was spreading awareness about protection of children rights. During ceremony children also presented different performances of child abuse and awareness of children’s rights. Lahore Deputy Commssioner Sumair Ahmad, journalist and other prominent personalities also addressed the seminar. Speakers said that better grooming and attention towards children secure the childhood of children and builds up their strong character. “Protection of children is collective responsibility of society for which more awareness sessions seminars and walks should be arranged for activation of society.” Published in Daily Times, February 21st 2018.