The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has appointed renowned Pakistani actress Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador for child rights in Pakistan. This appointment comes in recognition of Saba’s extensive influence, both in the entertainment industry and her advocacy for social causes. UNICEF, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the rights and welfare of children globally, aims to work closely with Saba in raising awareness about pressing child rights issues in Pakistan, including education, healthcare, and protection from violence. Her new role places her at the forefront of efforts to address critical challenges affecting millions of Pakistani children.
Saba Qamar’s appointment as UNICEF’s National Ambassador for child rights highlights her journey from being one of Pakistan’s most acclaimed actresses to a committed social advocate. With a career spanning over 15 years, Saba has built a formidable reputation for her versatility and powerful performances in both television and film. She is best known for her roles in popular dramas like “Baaghi,” which depicted the real-life story of the controversial social media star Qandeel Baloch, and “Cheekh,” where she played a woman seeking justice in a corrupt system. Her film career also gained international recognition with her performance in the Bollywood film “Hindi Medium,” which tackled issues surrounding the education system in India. Through these roles, Saba has not only showcased her acting prowess but also displayed a keen interest in highlighting social issues.
Her appointment as a UNICEF ambassador is a reflection of the organization’s trust in her ability to influence public discourse on child rights. Being a UNICEF National Ambassador means that Saba will serve as a public advocate for the rights and well-being of children in Pakistan. She will use her platform to highlight the importance of education, healthcare, nutrition, and protection for all children, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. As an ambassador, she is expected to support UNICEF’s mission by drawing attention to the critical situation many children face in Pakistan and working towards solutions that can change their futures for the better.
Pakistan faces severe challenges when it comes to child welfare. According to recent statistics, around 22.8 million children in Pakistan are out of school, representing 44 percent of the total population of children in the country. This alarming figure highlights the severe educational crisis that the country is grappling with. Furthermore, malnutrition is a pervasive issue, with 40 percent of children under the age of five suffering from stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition. Malnutrition also leads to other health problems, including weakened immunity and impaired cognitive development, making it harder for children to thrive in school or other environments. UNICEF, through its various programs, aims to address these issues by providing support to children and their families, advocating for better policies, and ensuring access to essential services.
As a UNICEF ambassador, Saba Qamar will help amplify these efforts by bringing attention to the plight of children suffering from malnutrition, lack of education, and other forms of neglect. Her reach, both in Pakistan and internationally, allows her to engage with a wide audience and push for changes in policy and public attitudes towards children’s rights. With her advocacy, it is hoped that more children will gain access to education, healthcare, and protection from violence, abuse, and exploitation.
Saba Qamar joins a list of other prominent Pakistani celebrities who have taken on roles with the United Nations and other global humanitarian organizations. One of the most well-known figures in this space is Mahira Khan, a Pakistani actress who was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2019. Mahira has been involved in advocating for the rights of refugees and displaced persons, particularly in Pakistan, which hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. Musician and philanthropist Shehzad Roy has also been active with the UN as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), focusing on education reform and drug prevention programs in Pakistan. Similarly, singer Atif Aslam has participated in campaigns supporting children’s education and health initiatives.
These appointments underscore the important role that Pakistani celebrities play in advocating for social causes on both national and international levels. Their involvement in these organizations helps raise awareness and encourages action on issues that might otherwise go overlooked. In Saba Qamar’s case, her role as a National Ambassador for UNICEF gives her a unique opportunity to use her influence to support the rights of children and ensure that their voices are heard in policy discussions.
Upon her appointment, Saba expressed her gratitude and commitment to the cause, saying, “Children are the future of Pakistan, and we need to ensure that they have the opportunities and rights they deserve. I am honored to be part of UNICEF’s mission and will do everything I can to bring attention to the issues affecting children in our country.” Her statement reflects her dedication to improving the lives of children, many of whom suffer from circumstances beyond their control.
UNICEF’s work in Pakistan is wide-ranging and includes efforts to improve access to education, healthcare, clean water, and sanitation. The organization is also heavily involved in addressing child labor, child marriage, and other harmful practices that continue to affect children in the country. With Saba Qamar as its National Ambassador, UNICEF aims to strengthen these initiatives by reaching more people and creating a broader understanding of the importance of protecting children’s rights.
Saba Qamar’s involvement with UNICEF comes at a critical time when Pakistan is facing significant challenges regarding the welfare of its children. With millions of children out of school, widespread malnutrition, and rising concerns about child protection, there is an urgent need for collective action. By using her platform and influence, Saba is expected to bring renewed attention to these issues and advocate for solutions that can help improve the lives of Pakistan’s most vulnerable children.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
