Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged parents to remain vigilant and never leave young children unattended following two heartbreaking incidents in the province. She stressed that protecting children is a shared responsibility and that their safety begins at home.
The chief minister made these remarks during her televised address to the National Paigham-i-Aman Committee. Her comments came after the tragic murder of an eight-year-old girl in Sargodha and the roof collapse at a private tuition centre in Lahore that claimed the lives of 14 children.
Speaking about the Sargodha incident, Maryam Nawaz described it as deeply painful and disturbing. She said the young girl had gone alone to a nearby shop, where she was allegedly murdered by the shopkeeper. According to the chief minister, the suspect later tried to hide the child’s body to conceal the crime.
She revealed that a bloodstain found on the girl’s slipper became an important piece of evidence during the investigation. It helped investigators identify the suspect and move the case forward. Maryam Nawaz said she immediately took notice of the incident and instructed law enforcement authorities to arrest the accused without delay.
The chief minister said the government remains committed to improving public services such as transport, healthcare, and law enforcement. However, she added that no government can replace the role of parents when it comes to protecting children in daily life.
She emphasized that parents should avoid sending young children out alone, especially to crowded markets, shops, or other public places where they may face risks. If possible, she advised parents to complete such errands themselves instead of allowing children to travel alone.
According to Maryam Nawaz, criminals and predators can exist even within familiar neighborhoods. She said constant supervision and awareness are essential to keeping children safe from harm.
Referring to the Lahore tuition centre tragedy, the chief minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of innocent lives. She said the incident raised serious questions about safety measures at private educational institutions and highlighted the importance of proper building standards.
She stated that negligence by the tuition centre contributed to the tragic incident. At the same time, she urged parents to carefully examine the safety standards of schools, madressahs, and tuition centres before enrolling their children.
The chief minister said parents should ensure that educational institutions follow proper safety regulations and provide secure learning environments. She encouraged families to remain informed about the facilities where their children spend time.
Maryam Nawaz also called on society to work together to protect children and prevent future tragedies. She said government institutions, parents, teachers, and local communities all have an important role in creating a safer environment for young people.
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She concluded that protecting children requires collective responsibility. Strong law enforcement, responsible institutions, and active parental supervision are all necessary to reduce risks and safeguard children’s lives. The Punjab government, she added, will continue taking steps to improve public safety while encouraging families to remain alert and involved in their children’s well-being.
