Children share their grief and circumstances that brought them under the welfare bureaus care
Children residing at Lahore’s Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) enjoy a special iftar during Ramazan PHOTO: EXPRESS
LAHORE:
Ramazan evenings are often filled with family gatherings and the joy of breaking fast together, but children residing at Lahore’s Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) also enjoy a special Iftar during the holy month of Ramazan. For these children, a festive table is set, creating a cheerful atmosphere, though the absence of their parents and families is deeply felt.
A variety of dishes were prepared for the children. Sometimes it is chicken biryani, at other times chicken korma. Dates, fruit chaat, dahi bhalla, samosas, pakoras, and a range of beverages are also included. “The menu is changed according to the children’s preferences so that they can feel at home,” the staff said.
During Iftar, the children sit together, break their fast, chat, and laugh. Yet many admit that “the real joy comes when iftar is shared with parents and siblings.”
Arush, a girl at the bureau, said she has been there for five years. “One day, I left home and got lost. Later, police brought me to the Child Protection Bureau. I miss my home and parents a lot.” Staff have made extensive efforts to locate her family, but so far, there has been no success.
Children residing at Lahore’s Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) enjoy a special Iftar during Ramazan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Noor Fatima, who has been at the bureau for two years, lost her parents and was placed in the bureau’s care by relatives. She said, “I am well looked after here, and I receive love. Everything is arranged for Iftar, and the staff take special care of the children.”
Farah, another resident, has been at the bureau for 18 months. “My father has passed away, and my mother lives with relatives. I am studying here, and my dream is to become a software engineer. At home, Iftar was joyful, but living here, I miss my family. Still, I have friends here, and I spend time with them,” she said.
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Another girl said her biological father passed away during her childhood, and her mother remarried. “I came here because I could not tolerate my stepfather’s behaviour, and now I do not want to go back.”
Faizan, who has been at the bureau for three years, said, “After disputes between my parents, I was admitted to the Child Protection Bureau. I get facilities here, but I miss my mother and siblings a lot.”
Asif, another child, said he went missing in his childhood and has since been raised at the bureau. “I do not know anything about my parents, but I hope that one day I will meet them,” he said.
Samad’s story brought a ray of hope. After several years, his parents were located. “His photos were shared on social media, and through the ‘Mera Pyara’ app, access to his family became possible. It was found that his parents live in Saudi Arabia, and it is expected that they will come to Pakistan during Eid to take him home,” the staff said.
Children residing at Lahore’s Child Protection and Welfare Bureau (CPWB) enjoy a special Iftar during Ramazan. PHOTO: EXPRESS
Clinical psychologist Fatima Tahir said, “The arrangements for children at the Child Protection Bureau are very good, but often these children face loneliness and psychological issues. At home, after Iftar, the family bustle continues, whereas institutionalised children sometimes feel loneliness again after the meal.”
She added that psychologists, teachers, and trained staff continuously work to support the children’s mental health. “A skill development centre has also been established, where children are taught various skills to prepare them for independent lives after turning 18,” she said.
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CPWB Chairperson Sara Ahmed said, “With the support of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the bureau is taking various measures for the welfare of children. During Ramazan, special activities and Iftar are arranged for the children.”
She added, “During Ramazan, guests visit the bureau almost every day, including provincial ministers, assembly members, and civil society representatives. The Iftar and Sehri menus are planned with the children’s consultation so that they can be happy and feel at home.”
Ahmed emphasised that “although the bureau provides every possible facility, parental love and family care cannot be fully replicated in an institution. We strive to provide an environment where children feel a sense of belonging and love.”
While the Iftar moments bring smiles to the children’s faces, behind those smiles lie memories of their homes, parents, and siblings. These experiences highlight that, despite all facilities, the love of family remains the greatest blessing in a child’s life.
